You may be surprised at how vulnerable you really are!

It’s more than protecting your passwords and your credit cards – the level of sophistication among hackers and identity thieves is astounding. To see how susceptible are you to identity theft, take this risk assessment quiz.

Track the number of questions you can answer “Yes” to in each section.

General Protection

I shred or hide all documents that contain account information, Social Security numbers, PINs, or sensitive information. This includes credit card bills, statements, tax returns, and credit reports.
I do not carry checks, credit cards, or passports unless I need them.
Before giving a company my credit card, Social Security number, or other personal information, I ask how it will protect the information.
I keep my wallet and purse hidden from guests and co-workers.
I inspect my bills and bank statements each month.
I check my credit report at least quarterly.
I always sign the back of my credit cards. Or, better yet, I write, “please check identification” on the signature line.
When in high traffic areas like Las Vegas, I keep my wallet close to me at all times.

Number of yes answers: _______.

Credit Card Protection

I destroy expired credit cards and driver’s licenses instead of throwing them away.
When paying by credit card, I keep my credit card within my sight at all times to avoid skimming.
I shred or hide all credit card receipts.
If I must have authorized user accounts for children and/or employees, I am sure to keep the limit on these accounts low.

Number of yes answers: _______.

ATM

When I withdraw money, I am cautious of people who might be able to see my card account number or PIN.
I use ATMs located only at major banks.
I do not use ATMs that appear to have been tampered with.

Number of yes answers: _______.

Social Security Number Protection

I never carry my Social Security card or birth certificate.
I keep my Social Security number private unless a person or business has a legitimate need for it.
I check my Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement annually.

Number of yes answers: _______.

Password Protection

I do not use obvious passwords or PINs (pet’s names, birthdates, or portions of Social Security or phone numbers).
I memorize my PIN and passwords in lieu of recording them in writing.
I never give other people my passwords or PINs.
Whenever possible, my passwords have at least six characters, including letters, numbers, symbol, upper and lower cases.
I use different passwords for each of my major accounts.
I change my passwords regularly.
No one knows my computer logon passwords (with the exception of a spouse or computer administrator).

Number of yes answers: _______.

Telephone Protection

I initiate calls in which I provide personal information over the phone.
If a company calls asking to verify my personal information, I hang up and verify the phone number and legitimacy of the caller before returning the call.
When giving vendors my personal information via the telephone, I make sure no eavesdroppers can overhear the information.

Number of yes answers: _______.

Protecting Postal Mail

I shred all mail that contains sensitive information.
I have opted out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling (888) 567-8688.
I never use roadside mailboxes to send outgoing mail.
My incoming mail is sent to a post office box or secure mailbox.
When I am on vacation, I ask the post office to place a vacation hold on all mail.
I know when my credit card bills, bank statements, and other mail with personal information is scheduled to arrive, and I contact the relevant creditor, bank, or vendor if a bill is late.
I know when my credit cards expire, and I contact the creditor if a new card fails to at least three months before an old card expires.
When ordering new checks, I ask the issuing bank to contact me in lieu of sending the checks via postal mail.

Number of yes answers: _______.

Digital and Online Protection

When not in use, my computer is always password-protected.
If I share a computer, each user has a separate account.
I do not use my public or work computers to access bank accounts or other personal accounts with sensitive information.
I know about high-tech identity theft like phishing and spyware.
I never send personal information (account numbers, Social Security numbers, or credit card information) via e-mail.
I never respond to emails asking me to provide or verify my password, account number, or credit card number.
I use antivirus software, antispyware, and firewall software.
I do not click on pop-ups.
My antivirus software scans incoming emails and attachments.
I consult with a trusted network administrator on the proper protocol before using file-sharing programs.
When shopping online, I purchase only from reputable companies, and I confirm that sites are secure before placing an online order.
I do not save or “remember” my credit card information or passwords on online sites.
If I have a wireless network, I have consulted with a reputable system administration to make sure my router has the highest security settings available.
I update my operating system, online browser, and other software regularly to make sure I have the latest security patches.
I do not provide personal information online unless I initiate the contact, and I never respond to advertisements or spam asking me to buy something.
I do not open suspicious-looking attachments or attachments from unknown people.
I set all computer security settings to “high.”

Number of yes answers: _______.

If you answered yes to fewer than forty-five questions, you are a likely candidate for identity fraud. If fact, even if you answered yes to all questions, you might be an unwilling victim of identity theft. Even something as simple as clicking on a hyperlink in an email can expose your computer to spyware that steals personal information. Unfortunately, identity theft is among the fastest growing crimes in the United States, and thieves are creating new and sophisticated ways of stealing identities each and every day.

To protect yourself, be sure to take two steps to quickly nip any fraudulent behavior in the bud: 1) Check your credit report regularly; and 2) consider enrolling in an identity theft protection product, such as ProtectMyID.com, which will monitor your personal credit information, alert you if key changes are detected, and reimburse you for any lost or stolen funds.