There are several simple steps you can take to avoid identity theft. There is no guarantee that you will never fall victim to identity theft, but you can at least do something to make it much more difficult for them to take advantage of you:

  1. Destroy records and statements. Shred credit card statements, solicitations and any documents that contain financial information and/or your address.
  2. Secure your mail. Mail outgoing bill payments and cheques from the post office or another secure location.
  3. Safeguard your National Insurance number. Never carry your card with you. And dont put your number on your cheques. It can be the primary target for identity thieves because it gives them access to your credit report and bank accounts.
  4. Don’t leave a paper trail. Never leave ATM, credit card or petrol station receipts behind, and follow rule 1. by shredding them.
  5. Never let your credit card out of your sight. Worried about credit card skimming (electronic/wireless theft of credit numbers)? Always keep an eye on your card or, when that’s not possible, pay with cash.
  6. Know who you’re dealing with. Whenever someone contacts you asking for your private identity or financial information — find out who they are, what company they represent and the reason for the call. If you think the request is legitimate, contact the company yourself and confirm what you were told before revealing any of your personal data.
  7. Take your name off marketers’ hit lists. In addition to the national (UK) or the (US), you can also cut down on junk mail and opt out of credit card solicitations.
  8. Be more defensive with personal information. Ask salespeople and others if information such as a National Insurance (or Social Security) or drivers license number is absolutely necessary. Ask anyone who does require your National Insurance (or Social Security) number — for instance, your insurance company — what their company privacy policy is and if you can arrange for the organization not to share your information with anyone else.
  9. Monitor your credit report. Obtain and thoroughly review your credit report (now available for free at Equifax’s Score Watch, which alerts you any time a change takes place with your credit report.
  10. Review your credit card statements carefully. Make sure that you recognise the merchants, locations and purchases listed before paying your bill. If you don’t need or use department-store or bank-issued credit cards, consider closing the accounts, and shred the cards.