10 steps to thwart an identity thief

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 16.6 million adults were victimized by ID theft in 2012 and many incidents go unreported.
You can keep you accounts safe with these tips:

1. Have a locking mailbox or use a post office box. 
   
2. Never carry your Social Security card. Keep it in a safe place at home. Protect the card and card numbers because they are keys to your banking and credit information. 
   
3. Set up a pass code on your smart phone. 
   
4. Limit personal information that comes by mail. 
   
5. Never leave information in your car. According to an AARP survey, 19 percent of Americans 18 to 49 admitted to leaving a wallet or purse in their locked car during the past week. 
   
6. Shred documents that contain personal information: bank and credit card statements, tax forms and medical bills. 
   
7. Keep computer passwords in a safe place, not your Internet browser. When throwing away an old computer, remove and destroy the hard drive. 
   
8. Establish online accounts with the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Most Americans don't have online access to their accounts with these credit bureaus. 
   
9. Keep only necessary credit, debit and identification cards in your purse or wallet. Store photocopies of your wallet contents in a safe place. 
   
10. Never give credit card or Social Security numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call. Ask phone solicitors to send information by mail if you are interested in their products.