1. Keep Your Numbers to Yourself

It is crucial that you protect your Social Security number, credit card and debit card numbers, PINs (personal identification numbers), passwords and other personal information. A thief can use these details to order checks or credit cards, apply for loans or otherwise commit fraud using your name. Do not provide financial and other personal information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax, letter or e-mail, as it could be from a fraud artist masquerading as a legitimate business person or government official. Be particularly cautious with your Social Security number (SSN). Keep bank and credit card statements, tax returns, checks and other sensitive documents in a safe place at home. Shred these documents thoroughly before discarding them.

2. Know Who You’re Dealing With

Deal only with legitimate, reputable businesses. Only participate in business with companies you already know or that have been recommended by people you trust. Do your research before giving money or personal information to an unfamiliar merchant (or charity or any other organization).

3. Get It In Writing

Get key details in writing and thoroughly check them out before agreeing to anything. Don't rely on a sales person's oral representations for a significant purchase or investment. Get as much written information as possible, including a contract, specifying cost information and your consumer rights. If a marketer refuses to supply written information or employs high-pressure sales tactics to get you to act fast, take that as your cue to dismiss the call or attempt for a transaction.

4. Beware of "Deals" Requiring Money Up-Front

"Congratulations, you've won a free vacation!" "Get rich quick—at no risk!" "We'll fix your credit problems—fast." These are common slogans that fraudulent companies and individuals use to lure in their fast income from their consumer prey. They're likely to be schemes to trick you into sending money or providing bank account information in exchange for promises of goods or services that will never be delivered. Be skeptical of any offer that's "free" or otherwise hard to believe and that, as a precondition, requires you to pay money (perhaps for a supposed "fee" or "tax").

5. Review Bills and Mail ASAP

It is important to always review credit card bills and bank statements for any errors or for any purchases you didn’t make or an unauthorized withdrawal from your checking account. If you notice a problem, contact your financial institution immediately. While federal and state laws limit your losses if you're victimized by a financial fraud, sometimes your maximum liability depends on how quickly you report the problem (generally you are allowed to report an error within 60 days of the event taking place). Also make sure you get your statement every month. If no statement arrives, that could be a sign that an identity thief has changed your mailing address for purposes of committing fraud in your name but from another location. As for personal mail, make sure to retrieve it everyday, as your mail may include checks, credit card applications, bank statements and other items of value to a thief.

Try to send and receive mail using locked mailboxes or otherwise secure locations. If you're going to be away on vacation or some other travel, have your mail held at the post office or picked up by a neighbor. If you're expecting a check, a credit card or bank account information and it doesn't arrive in a reasonable period, notify the sender. As for outgoing mail containing a check or other personal financial information, put it in a blue Postal Service mailbox, hand it to a mail carrier or take it to the post office.