What you need to know about identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another's personally identifying information, such as their name, identifying number, or credit card number, without their permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

To guard against identity theft, minimize the amount of identification information that you carry on your person. Try not to carry your Social Security card in the event you lose your purse or wallet. Put passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts, but do not use an obvious password such as your birthday, address, or phone number. Never provide personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet, unless you have initiated the contact or know who you are dealing with. Frequently check your online bank or paper statements for unauthorized charges.

If you think you are the victim of identity theft, notify your credit card companies and banks immediately. Notify the police to file a report as soon as possible . Supply them with as much information as you can. Call the national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number.