Reducing Risk of Identity Theft

• Take extra precaution when discarding personal or confidential information.
• Check your credit report annually
• Properly dispose of old technology. Ensure personal information is removed and hard drives are not readable.
• Be wary of public Wi-Fi. Information could be intercepted so do not use it for sensitive information.
• Do not carry your Social Security number. Keep it in a safe place and do not write it down.
• Only give out your Social Security number when necessary. 
• Install firewalls and anti-virus software on home computers.

Protecting Children Online

• Set rules/guidelines for children to follow. This helps them understand the potential dangers they may encounter.
• Always watch what your children are doing online. Have them serf the web in an open area where you can see what they are looking at and ask questions about what they are viewing.
• Teach children to NOT reveal private information online. That includes, but is not limited to, their name, address, photo, school, friends’ names, favorite things.
• Utilize browser parenting controls.
• Periodically check the child’s browser history for sites they have accessed.
• Have your child alert you if they encounter anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.
• If you come across offensive material, online predators, etc. parents or guardians should document information and report it to local law enforcement or the local office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• More information on protecting children online may be found online at: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/children-internet-safety