PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S.  Be careful with all your private information. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is the key for a thief to clone your identity. Therefore,

*Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet and avoid carrying cards that display your SSN.

*Never give your SSN, credit card number, or other personal data by phone unless you have an existing relationship with the business or agency AND you initiated the call using a verified phone number. Always verify the other party's authenticity.
 
*Avoid including your SSN on job applications. Provide it only when absolutely necessary — for tax, employment, and student records, stock and property transactions, and so on.

*If a government agency requests your SSN, look for an accompanying Privacy Act notice indicating whether an SSN is required, how it will be used, and what happens if you don't provide it