How to Prevent Identity Theft

Destroy all unused pre-approved credit card and loan applications. A mailbox thief only has to fill them out and redirect the return address to start using your credit.
Never give any important numbers out (driver's license, credit card, bank account, date of birth, or social security number) to anyone you don't know over the telephone.
Before disposal, shred credit, debit and ATM card receipts along with paycheck stubs and W-2 forms that contain your social security number and other important information. This is a common way for dumpster divers to obtain important identification information.
Destroy all checks immediately when you close an account.
Memorize your passwords and personal identification (PIN) numbers. Never write them on your ATM or credit cards.
Do not use your credit card on the internet unless it is encrypted on a secured site.
If you receive a suspicious call asking for your personal information, hang up and dial *57 to obtain a trace, then contact DPS. Scams of this nature occur all the time.
Keep a watch out for people standing near you at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, etc., that have a cell phone in hand. The cell phone camera can capture your card information and also tape the whole transaction, capturing your PIN too.

Department of Public Safety