Identity theft happens when someone accesses sensitive personal information including name, address, Social Security number (SSN), date of birth and mother's maiden name in order to commit fraud or theft. Many identity thieves use this personal information in order to open credit card accounts and obtain loans and even mortgages in the victim's name.

Reduce your risk and protect yourself from identity theft by following some simple guidelines:

• Protect your mailbox: Your mailbox is an easy target for identity thieves. Always remove your mail as soon after delivery as possible. Also, deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office to lower the risk of identity theft happening to you.
  
• Protect your wallet: Minimize your risk by keeping items with personal information in a safe place at home. Don't carry your SSN card in your wallet or purse. Memorize your SSN and never write it down on anything you carry. Identity thieves look for information on old receipts. Don't leave receipts at ATMs, bank counters or gasoline pumps. In fact, it is a good idea to shred or otherwise destroy all of your receipts when you no longer need them.
  
• Protect your credit and debit cards: Whenever you receive a new credit or debit card, sign it immediately. Never loan your credit or debit card to anyone, under any circumstances. Notify your bank and other issuers when you change your address or phone number, and be sure to report all lost or stolen cards immediately. Never write your account number on the outside of any envelope.