Without using a spam filter you'll receive email that may contain viruses or worms to hack your computer and others could be “phishing”(emails that look like they are from your bank, but are scams to get you to volunteer your personal information). A keylogger could take up residence and report all your keystrokes including passwords.

Most well known and reliable software developers offer spam filters, buy it. Check with your internet service provider and see if they offer one for free or at a discount. Most importantly, keep it updated. As software developers create new products, spammers and hackers eventually find ways to get around their roadblocks.

While you are aware of the opt out registry you have not taken action yet. You will continue to be inundated with pre-approved credit offers that will end up in your mail box and a prime target for identity theives. You'll throw those in your trash or recycling bin and another opportunity for an identity thief.

Call a universal number to remove your name from the three credit agencies marketing lists. They will not provide your name or risk level to any CC company for 5 years. The number is 1-888-5opt-out , or you can go online to www.optoutprescreen.com. Less offers, less risk of a thief obtaining your offer, less shredding!

When a clerk walks away from you with your card in their hand to conduct a transaction you have potentially given them the keys to your account. They could (without anyone seeing) copy your card through a reader and make duplicates or use the information online. The devices for copying existing cards and encoding new cards are sold readily on the internet. The simplest form of theft is use a cell phone to take a photo of the card.

Visually keeping your card in sight reduces the risk anyone will attempt to skim information, copy it or take a cellphone picture of it. Also, make it a habit of verifying you’ve actually been handed your card back. Rouge employees will pretend to accidentally keep the card and while you walk away they swipe it. By the time you return to recover the card , the damage is done even if you walk away for only a minute. Many banks are issuing new cards with RFID that is scanned while your holding it, so you don't have to hand your card to anyone.

Having a listed phone number is not as harmless as it once was. Caller ID can be used against you. A listed phone number exposes you telemarketing calls based on where you live. Worse yet, it exposes you to fraudulent calls from people trying to obtain personal info. Some telemarketers sell "sucker lists" of people who were easy and gave in to a pitch. Theives can even obtain a temporary ID to show up as any bank name.

The less information about you out there the better. Mailing lists, telemarketers and others get a lot of information from public phone directories. Get an unlisted number and avoid unnecessary public listing and telemarketer calls.

It can be difficult to verify email as legitimate. Emails that state your account is in jeopardy, you need to go NOW and LOGIN is a fraud called phishing. A term for fake email from a bank, Paypal, Ebay, or the IRS. They steal your account information then exploit that to steal your identity.

Never provide personal information from an unsolicited request. Banks use email for legitimate communication of valuable information, but if there is an account compromised or an issue with your account, email will not be the mode of communication to request any sensative information.

Shopping online is a convenient way to conduct transactions. You are vulnerable when you conduct transactions with questionable sites, or sites that are unsecure, or unknown.

Use websites that you can trust and are well known. Never provide personal and or private information to any site unless you are sure it will not be used inappropriately. You can also restrict your shopping to bank cards that offer an extra layer of security to ensure that you are the only one using your card online. Visa uses Verified by Visa, and Mastercard uses Securecode. They require a separate code you input before they allow the online transaction to be completed. In all shopping online is safe and secure provided you stick with reputable sites.