Safeguard your Social Security number.
Keep your card in a safe place at home— not in your wallet or purse.

Read your bills and bank statements.
Keep your eye out for charges you didn't authorize.

Exercise doubt, and check it out.
If you have any doubts about a caller or e-mailer, find the company's phone number and call its fraud or security department.

Report fraud.
If you've experienced fraud or identity theft, report it to ftc.gov. The Federal Trade Commission works to prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices in the marketplace, and to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.