1. Use a credit card with a small limit for mail-order and online purchases. It's all too easy for a dishonest sales clerk to use your credit card information. If the card you use for these purchases has a low credit limit, at least thieves won't be able to rack up many bills before hitting a wall.
2. Choose your PIN wisely. While you want to choose something you'll remember, you don't want it to be something that a clever thief could figure out just by learning your birth date or your child's name. A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols will offer you more security.
3. Guard your Social Security number. Make sure that anyone asking for your Social Security number really needs it. Often businesses that ask for a Social Security number can use an alternative customer identification number if you ask. Make sure not to print your Social Security number on checks or in other highly visible places.
4. Protect your computer's security. Use as many tools as you can (anti-virus software, spyware, firewalls, and passwords) to guard your computer information from the nefarious. Failing to protect your computer is just as bad as leaving your door unlocked, your windows wide open, and a sign on the mat, saying, "Burglars, come on in."
5. Prepare for disaster. It's more important than ever to make sure you safeguard your family's important documents in case of a disaster.
- Keep a box of emergency supplies on hand that includes copies of your important documents in plastic bags.
- Purchase a fireproof safe for temporary protection of your valuables.
- Rent a safety deposit box for another set of your important papers. Consider choosing a location outside of your immediate vicinity, in case the disaster affects the entire community.
- Include in your important papers a copy of your household inventory, preferably with a videotape.
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