Key ways shared to protect personal information

In this digital age, it's easier than ever for would-be thieves to steal and profit from your personal information. Credit card numbers can be stolen from online shopping sites, bank account information can be lifted from unsecured pay-byphone or online services, and all it takes is an overheard phone conversation on a cell phone for Social Security numbers and other personal information to be acquired.

However, while you may put extra effort into safeguarding your information from technological threats, don't overlook other ways to protect your valuable information. Following are some tips to keep you safe.

• Maintain a paper trail. Keep a copy of all your important documents locked up in a safe place, like a safe-deposit box or personal safe at home. This includes the contents of your wallet (go ahead, dump it all on the copy machine and photocopy both sides of every card you have), passport, birth certificate, marriage license, etc.

It's much easier to replace these documents if you know what you had on hand and the account and phone numbers to call if you have to cancel cards or accounts.

• Check safety. With debit cards and credit cards a favorite for paying bills, you may wonder if paper checks are even used anymore. They are, and you should maintain a level of caution when ordering and designing your checks.

The next time you place an order, only have your initials put on the check. This way, if your checks are stolen, the crook will not know how you sign your checks -- but your bank will.

Also, see if you can forgo the address and phone number inclusion on the checks. If not, put a post office box or your work or cell phone number on them instead. Never print your Social Security number on the check. This way, a thief will not have access to your account number, address, phone number and name. The fewer puzzle pieces he has to put together, the less likely he'll be able to do anything adverse against your identity.

• Securing credit cards. When writing out checks to pay our credit card bills, or when referencing your account over the phone, use only the last four digits of the account number. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check or account will not have access to the full number.

Also, don't sign the back of your credit cards because, if they are stolen, a thief will know what your signature looks like and can practice replicating it.

Rather, place the words "Photo ID Required" which will prompt retail merchants to ask for a photo ID in order to complete the purchase process. If a cashier fails to look on the back of your card, alert him or her to this fact, and bring up the matter with a store manager.

• Spread the word. If your wallet is stolen, be sure to cancel your cards immediately by reporting the theft to the respective credit card companies. You should already have those numbers handy because you made a photocopy of the cards previously.

Also, immediately call the three national credit reporting organizations and place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This way, these organizations will know personal documents of yours were stolen and not hold any liens or unauthorized purchases against you.

It's also a good idea to file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your items were stolen. This proves to credit providers that you were diligent in reporting the theft, and is a first step toward an investigation being conducted.

Add these numbers to your phone book:

• Equifax: (800) 525-6285 • Experian (800) 397-3472

• Trans Union (800) 680-7289 • Social Security Administration fraud line (800) 269-0271.