Protect your identity!
There have been reports of people going through neighborhood garbage cans in search of personal documents that can be used to gain access to financial and other accounts. As always, prevention is the best protection. Some tips:
- Report lost or stolen credit cards to the issuer immediately.
- Sign your new credit cards (before someone else does).
- Memorize your Social Security number and passwords: don’t carry them with you. Do not use your date of birth as your password.
- Do not leave receipts behind at the ATM, gas pumps or store counters. Be sure to check credit card and other financial statements for accuracy.
- Do not leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.
- Shred unwanted documents that contain personal information.
- Review your consumer credit report annually.
Source: Chicago Police Department