Stay on guard - Reduce your risk of identity theft by protecting your personal information

• Minimize your risk –- Carry only the identification you need (eg. driver's license, health card) and keep the rest (Social Insurance Number, birth certificate, passport) locked up at home.

• Keep it to yourself – Be careful about sharing personal information especially on social networking sites and don't give out more than you need to. And when shopping, if someone asks you for information that is not relevant to the transaction you are making, ask them why.

• Be discreet – When disclosing your personal and financial information speak discreetly. Always shield your PIN when using your debit card and never lend your card. The Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services outlines your rights and responsibilities at www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca.

• Be proactive – Always ask about how secure your information is when dealing with businesses and charities and even where you work.

• Be tidy –- Don't leave personal information lying around at home, in your vehicle or at the office. Don't put more than your name and address on your personal cheques.

• Be careful – Lock your household mailbox, if possible. If you are going to be away, arrange for a trusted neighbour to pick up your mail. You can also go to your local post office (with identification) and pay for Canada Post to hold your mail.

• Be wary – Never give personal information by phone, Internet or mail unless you're the one who made contact and you know the company very well. Identity thieves may use phoney offers or pose as representatives of financial institutions, Internet service providers or even government agencies to trick you into revealing identifying information.

• Be aware of dumpster divers – Shred or destroy all documents with your personal information before tossing them into the garbage or recycling. This will help defeat dumpster divers looking for transaction records, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, cheques, financial statements and old income tax returns. Cut up expired and unused credit and debit cards. The card may have expired but the number may still be valid and could be used to make purchases.

• Guard your computer – Use passwords and install and subscribe to a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and security software to reduce the chances of your personal info being stolen from your computer.

For important tips on how to protect your personal information check out the Consumer Identity Theft Kit available at www.ConsumerInformation.ca. Youth and parents can also visit servicecanada.ca for tips on how to protect their personal information, including their Social Insurance Number (SIN).

- News Canada