If at all possible, get credit cards with your picture on them (some are available).
	Be alert when expecting new credit cards or new checks through the mail. You may also want to have new checks delivered to your bank branch instead of your home in order to avoid the risk of having them stolen from your mailbox. You should not mail out checks from your home mailbox. Use a U.S. Post Office mail box instead.
	Be aware of billing cycles for all your credit accounts and make sure you receive bills on time. If a bill is late, contact the vendor, as this may be a sign that your mail has been stolen and your identity compromised.
	Cancel all credit cards you haven't used in 6 months. Forgotten open credit card accounts may be used by a thief who obtains either the card or your credit report.
	Monitor your credit card statements and bank statements for unauthorized charges. These could be a sign of an identity theft.
	If you think you have misplaced your card, cancel it immediately. Do not wait for it to turn up. Identity thieves work very quickly and run up charges in a matter of hours.
	Do not put your credit card account numbers on the internet (except on a secure site), on the outside of envelopes, or on your checks.
	Do not print your Social Security number or telephone number on your checks.
	Never give out personal information over the phone to someone you do not know. You also should not give out or discuss personal information over a cordless or cell phone as high tech scanners are able to listen in on your conversation.
Please contact Legal Resources™ if you have any specific questions about identity theft protection or would like additional information in prevention of identity theft.