Some proactive measures

• Never give out any your personal information to unknown sources. Some examples of personal information are:
  
  
  • Credit Card Numbers
  • Social Security Number
  • Phone Number
  • Address
  • Date or Place of Birth
  • Mother's Maiden Name
  
  
• Never have your personal information printed on bank checks
  
  
• Leave confidential documents such as social security card, birth certificate, passport, and any other personal information in a secure location
  
  
• It is a good idea to get a review of your credit report at least once a year, that way you can see any unauthorized activity
  
  
• Shred documents containing any personal information such as credit card applications ATM receipts, canceled checks, prescription labels
  
  
• Always ensure that online transactions are secure by locating the lock icon at the bottom right hand side of your web browser, and that it is in the lock position before disclosing any personal information online
  
  
• You can also sign up for services that will limit the amount of marketing mail that you receive. One of these services is (888)5-OPTOUT
  
  
• For more information regarding preventive measures of identity theft log onto www.consumer.gov/idtheft
  
  

 Here are some reactive measures

• Contact your local law enforcement agency
  
  
• Contact the Social Security Administration's Office at (800)269-0271
  
  
• Contact your credit card issuers
  
  
• Place a fraud alert with the following credit reporting agencies:
  
  
  • Equifax Credit Information Services (800)525-6285
  • Experian (888)397-3742
  • Trans Union (800)680-7289
  
  
• Fill out an "ID Theft Affidavit" at www.consumer.gov/idtheft
  
  
• Document all the actions taken during the investigation.