Protect Yourself against Identity Theft

To supplement your identity theft protection services, you’ll want to take certain steps of your own to make sure your good name is 100% safe. Here are some do-it-yourself tips on identity theft protection.

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Identity Theft Protection the FTC Way

The FTC is the government agency that specializes in protecting consumers from identity theft and investigating identity theft cases. When it comes to identity theft protection, the FTC recommends three pillars of safety: deter, detect, and defend. Each of these is explained below.

• 1) Deter identity thieves by minimizing your risk. The more difficult you make it to access your personal information, the less likely you are to fall victim to identity theft. Here are deterrent tips:
  • Guard your social security number
  • Be careful with trash and mail…always shred documents containing personal info
  • Protect your purse or wallet
  • Keep personal and financial information in safe locations
  • Be cautious when using the internet
  • Choose complex passwords with letters AND numbers
  • Do not give information to unverified sources


• 2) Detect identity theft promptly by monitoring your accounts, statements, and credit regularly. With identity theft protection services, you don’t have to worry so much about this, but it is always a good idea to review your bank statements, credit card statements, and credit report on a regular basis. The sooner you can detect identity theft and report it, the more you will minimize your losses. Early detection means minimal damage and minimal work for you to set things right again.


• 3) Defend yourself if you become a victim of identity theft. If you find yourself a victim of identity theft, immediately take the following steps:
  • Put a fraud alert on your credit (if you don’t already have one) and check your credit reports
  • Close accounts that have been compromised or opened fraudulently
  • File a complaint with the FTC
  • File an identity theft report with your local police