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While there is no guarantee that your identity will never be stolen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

1. Do not give out your Social Security number to people or companies that you do not know.

2. Before disclosing any personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.

3. Shred information you no longer need that contains personally identifiable information and account numbers.  For example, credit card receipts, billing statements and pre-approved credit offers should be shredded before you discard them.

4. Guard your mail from theft.  Promptly remove your incoming mail from your mailbox and place outgoing mail in post office collection boxes.  Install a locking mailbox if mail theft is a problem in your neighborhood.

5. Keep the personal information you have at home and at work in a safe place.

6. Do not carry extra credit cards, your birth certificate or passport, or other cards that display your Social Security number in your wallet or purse, expect when necessary.

7. Create unique passwords and personal identification numbers (PINS) and avoid using easily available information such as mother’s maiden name, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.  Use passwords on your banking and brokerage accounts.

8. Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies at least once a year.  Review the reports to be sure no one else is using your identity to open new accounts or to use your existing accounts.