Tip of the Month from Equifax:

Learn How to Help Safeguard Yourself Against Identity Theft

• Be careful about giving out personal information. Don't disclose your personal information over the phone, Internet, or by mail for any cause that seems suspicious or confusing.
• Protect your mail. Shred or safely store all personal information. Deposit outgoing mail in collection boxes and place your mail on hold with the USPS when you go out of town.
• Guard your credit cards. Minimize the information and number of cards you carry in your wallet, and if you lose a card, contact the card company as soon as possible. Also, watch cashiers when they handle your cards.
• Pay attention to billing cycles. Contact creditors immediately if your bills do not arrive. A missing bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address.
• Safeguard personal information in your home. Make sure your personal documents are well-hidden or safely locked away when a worker enters your home. If you're unable to be there, ask a friend or roommate to keep watch on your behalf.
• Be smart about passwords and PINs. Memorize your passwords and personal identification numbers instead of carrying them with you. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birthdate, etc.