Protect Your Identity
Taking the steps below will greatly reduce your risk of identify theft.
- Use a shredder to dispose of sensitive data (credit card bills, bank statements) and don’t leave these documents where others (roommates, service people) can view them.
- Never click on unsolicited links included in emails, even from what may appear to be trusted sources (e.g., your bank). Often these are email scams or lures to malicious web sites.
- Don’t disclose identity information (SSN, birthdate, address) on the phone, through mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and you know the other party involved.
- Limit the amount and type of identity information you post on social networking sites.
- Protect your Social Security Number. Don’t keep it in your wallet or write in on checks. Ask to use another identifier if possible.
- Use strong passwords.
- Prevent Unauthorized Use and Laptop Theft
More Resources
Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection
Learn to protect yourself and where to go if your identity is stolen.
State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Enterprise Technology
Find scam alerts, identity theft prevention and other cyber security resources.
Federal Trade Commission
Find out how to to deter, detect and defend against identify theft.