How can I prevent identity theft?

Signing up for one of our recommended services is the best way. Each service is different and different ones may be best for different people. In general we recommend the services that provide the most fraud monitoring possible. Identity thieves have become increasingly sophisticated so monitoring as many information sources as you can, such as your credit files with the three credit bureaus and any public records with your name or address, is recommended. Our highest rated services will also ask you for personal information, such as your credit card and bank account numbers and your Social Security number, so they can monitor Internet black market sites for any illicit use of your information. See "What type of identity theft protection is right for me?" for help on which type of solution you should get.

In addition to signing up for one of our recommended services, there are many things you can do to help prevent identity theft:

Carefully monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity (many of our recommended identity theft services do this, as do all of our recommended credit monitoring services.)
Always shred documents containing personal or financial information.
Only put your name on your checks - don't include your Social Security number, address or even your phone number.
If you receive preapproved credit offers (many of our recommended services stop these from being mailed to you), make sure you destroy them.
Don't carry your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport in your wallet.
Don't mail anything from your personal mailbox unless it has a lock.
Carefully review all monthly financial statements (credit cards, bank accounts) to be sure there is no fraudulent activity.
Never give out personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure who you are speaking to.
Never give out personal information on the Internet unless you are absolutely sure you are on a trustworthy website.
Do not click links from emails to get to an online account - it may be a fake email directing you to a counterfeit site (phishing). If you think the email is legitimate, type in the web address of your account yourself.

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