If your identity is stolen or your credit history is compromised, it can take years to recover, and affects your sense of security.

Take the steps to protect yourself:

• Immediately report lost or stolen credit and debit cards
• Check monthly statements carefully and report any discrepancies to the issuing credit card company
• Never loan your credit and debit cards to anyone and sign all credit and debit cards when you receive them
• Cancel credit and debit cards you do not use and keep a list of the ones you use regularly
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery and do not leave pieces of mail lying around your residence or work place
• Shred bank statements and all paperwork you no longer need
• Never give out your passwords or Personal Identification Number (PIN)