PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDE LINES TO PREVENT
ID THEFT & FRAUD

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Preventing Identity Theft & Fraud

Have you ever opened an email from a stranger?

Do you throw away statements and receipts without shredding them first?

Do you carry your Social Security card in your wallet?

These days, with identity theft on the rise, a simple mistake can turn into a big problem. Criminals need just a few pieces of information to steal your identity or to attempt to access your accounts. The FTC recommends the following steps to help protect yourself from identity theft and fraud:

Never carry your Social Security card with you.

 Do not write down PIN numbers. Memorize them instead.

Order your free credit reports once a year from www.annualcreditreport.com .

Be careful with your mail and your trash. Shred any sensitive information before discarding it.

 Never give out personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the contact and you are sure who you're dealing with.

Visit The Federal Trade Commission Website to learn how to protect yourself, how to keep your computer secure, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.