Some Holiday Tips and New Year's Resolutions for you to put into practice to manage your identity and to help prevent identity theftare:

• Protect your wallet or purse at all times. Men, carry your wallet in your front pocket when shopping. Ladies, put the strap of your purse over your head. Don't EVER leave your purse unattended and unattached to you, for example, in a shopping cart, on a counter, or on the front seat of your car even when you are close by, for example, pumping gas.
• Purge your wallet or purse of ALL identification cards showing your social security number. You don't need to carry any identification with your Social Security Number in your wallet!
• Rid your wallet or purse of excess credit and debit cards. Only carry those you need for shopping. One missing and misused credit card can cause big headaches. Dealing with five or 10 stolen and misused cards will be a living hell!
• Do not use debit cards for Internet transactions. Minimize your use of debit cards for special situations such as a cash advance. Be aware who is looking over your shoulder when you are entering your access code. Remember this. When a thief misuses your debit card, they are withdrawing YOUR money. Your bank may not be obligated to replace it. If they are, the dispute process can take months. When a thief misuses your credit card, they are using OPM - Other People's Money.
• NEVER give out your personal identifiers or account numbers over the phone, through the Internet, or through the mail; unless you are absolutely certain you know to whom you are giving the information to. Social engineering scams such as "pre-texting," phishing", "vishing" and "pharming" all "con" you into giving out information.
• Use secure websites for Internet transactions. Look for https:// at the beginning of the website address. Look for the closed lock icon. These features assure you that the transmission of personal and account information to the merchant are secure. They do not indicate the merchant is legitimate! Research the Internet merchant you are doing business with. Are they real or bogus?
• SHRED paper you dispose of at home and at work that contains personal identifiers, including account numbers, etc. Want to be ultra safe? Shred every piece of paper that has your name combined with ANY personal identifier including your address, especially if you have an unlisted or protected address.
• Learn to habitually manage your identity by keeping an EYE out for your ID. These and other identity theft management tips are discussed in detail in Consumer Red Flags under the Resources Menu.

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