DO contact your credit card issuer immediately if you open a new account and don't receive the card in the mail, your card has expired and you have not received a new one, or you order a duplicate card and it does not arrive within a reasonable time. DO carry only one, or two at the most, credit cards with you. DO review a copy of your credit report annually and report any accounts you did not open or apply for. DO carefully review your credit card statements immediately upon arrival, or even more often via the Internet, and report any unauthorized charges. DO shred all confidential papers, including those showing account numbers and your social security number, before disposing of them.
Personal shredders are now available for a fairly nominal cost.
DON'T say or press your credit card or bank account numbers over a wireless or cordless phone unless it is equipped with encryption technology. DON'T throw credit card statements or offers, bank statements, or other documents showing account numbers or your social security number into the trash or anywhere else that someone could gain access to them. DON'T carry your social security card with you or use it as a form or identification. DON'T use your credit cards as identification when writing a check. DON'T give any account information, your social security number, or your mother's maiden name over the phone unless you have placed the call or you have verified that the call is legitimate.