EASY WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

 Identity theft is in the news more and more often. Nothing is worse that finding out the hard way that someone has stolen your identity. For example - a week before you are scheduled to close on your new home, you get a call from your lender to tell you they can no longer grant your loan because of the furniture you charged on your credit card... except you did not buy any furniture. 

 Yikes! Once someone has started using your identity you are fighting an uphill battle to fix the problem, but there are some easy things you can do to protect yourself so you don't end up in that situation.
 Easy Ways to Protect Your Identity: 

 One Don't share your personal information on social media or by e-mail. This includes your Social Security number, address, and date of birth, etc... 

 Two Make sure you have anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall installed on your computer. 

 Three Use strong passwords on any accounts you access on your computer. Don't use the same password for every site. 

 Four If you keep a file of bills or personal information at home, make sure it is locked...and don't leave the key in the lock. 

 Five Shred anything with personal information (such as bills) that you don't need before you throw it away. 

 Six When you go away, request a hold from the post office so mail with personal information is not left in the mailbox. 

 Seven Check accounts for unauthorized activity and your credit report on a regular basis. 

 Eight Ask the company who insures your home if they offer identity theft insurance and purchase it.