1. Issuing personal checks to unfamiliar people is a no-no. Instead, give them cash, issue a bank draft or money order. Even if online banking is something which you never did, any person can obtain funds on the Internet coming from any of your accounts.

2. Keep this in mind all the time: Thieves will not be able to get into your bedroom or office, but they know that you throw bank reports in the trash so that is where they get private information and oftentimes, they are able to get what they want. Consider buying a paper shredder.

3. Enroll in paperless statements only. The majority of banks send their client’s statements using standard mail. It contains nearly all of your banking information. There is no assurance that nobody is going to open it.

4. We frequently get credit card promo checks in the mail. These are the simplest checks to convert into cash. Contact your credit card company and ask them to stop sending you those checks.

5. Even if your credit card has already expired, creditors will send you a new one with the same credit card number. What changes is only the expiry date. If the credit card is swiped somewhere, it will not work, but if it is an online transaction, only the credit card number is needed, as well as the cardholder’s name.

6. Ensure that the back of your credit card or debit card is signed. A store clerk occasionally compares the card holder’s signature with the one on the credit card, particularly when a huge transaction is involved. To prevent unauthorized use of your credit card, write your signature at the back.

7. Credit offer mailings that are pre-approved are dangerous just like credit card and bank statements. It is simple for a perpetrator to pull credit using your name and those offers. Just like with your other financial documents, pre-approved offer mailings must be dealt with the same way.

8. Avoid the use of public computers in all places because hackers can have easy access to your private information. You can apply for a credit card or get into your financial accounts online when you are at home. Furthermore, remember to clear stored cookies prior to logging out.

The traumatizing effects of identity theft can linger. But, time is not on your side. It is important to act quickly. The steps to take will help in the road to recovery.

The first thing is to document the fraud. A local police department is the first destination. They can be very helpful in filing a police report. If you get a chance then alert the Federal Trade Commission. They can help in alerting other potential victims. The documentation is essential in your coming battle.

The second step is to contact the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax. You should ask them to put a fraud alert on your credit. Every time a business checks your credit, the warning will show up that you have been a victim of identity theft. The initial fraud alert lasts 90 days, while the extended one can last seven years. Some states even allow credit freezes that restrict access to your credit report for a fee.

Now it is time to assess the damage. The credit bureaus will send you a copy of your credit report. Carefully check for any activity that is not yours. Contact the credit bureaus and report the problem. It is important to do everything in writing. Continue to check your report for any new activity.

The creditors from your credit report need to be contacted. Do not skip any and do it by phone and correspondence. Document any account changes and make sure your account is flagged for any future problems. if you have any fraudulent accounts they must be contacted immediately.

The next step is to prepare for the future. Change every password on any computer accounts. Do not use obvious passwords or the same one for several accounts. Keep a folder in a secure place with every new account number and vital information and the passwords.

Some steps are unnecessary right now. Do not cancel all your accounts. This may hurt your credit rating. You should make sure all have been changed instead. It is a good idea not to open any new accounts as you go through this process.

It is important to protect yourself in the future. Shred financial documents and unsolicited credit applications before throwing them away, and do not respond to spam emails. Avoid phishing sites by always going directly to your financial institutions website or better yet physical address. Be protective of your personal information, and continue to monitor your credit information carefully. It can feel overwhelming, but with diligence and perseverance, the damage done by identity theft can be undone.