Residential and Commercial Lending Specialists -

Protecting your identity

Monitor your credit. Check your credit report regularly. Obtain your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement once a-year to ensure that no one is using your social security number for employment. Social Security Administration (800) 772-1203.
Check your bills. Carefully study your credit card statements, phone and utility bills and cancelled checks for unauthorized use.
Carry only what you need. Try to leave your social security card and extra credit cards in a safe place. Protect your records. Keep a list of all your bank accounts, credit cards, account numbers, and customer service numbers in a secure place.
Choose proper passwords. When creating personal identification numbers (PIN) avoid using anything easy to figure out, and change them regularly.
Keep your Social Security number secret. Don't give it out. It's only necessary for certain items such as tax forms, employment records, banking, and property transactions.
Shred any documents that have any personal information or credit account numbers on them before discarding.
Cover the screen or keypad when using an ATM or public phone so thieves can't read your personal identification number (PIN).
Mail Strategically. Always drop your mail in the U.S. Postal blue boxes or at the post office, don't leave it in your mailbox at home.