Redact.
1. Use a magic marker to redact areas of documents that include any information.
2. Use a hole punch to punch out the area. Use an exact-o knife to cut out large areas.

Shred.
1. Regular shredders that just cut paper into strips are not very secure. Hand ripping is even less secure. Use a cross-cut or confetti-cut shredder.
2. Redact then shred.
3. Don’t just shred documents. With the right shredder, you can shred CDs and credit cards too.

Burn.
1. To be most secure - redact, shred, then burn.
2. Mix in scrap paper (with and without writing, pictures, ect. on them) with your important documents to confuse anyone who may try to find un-burnt scraps.
3. Never leave your documents unattended when burning.

Be careful who you talk to on the phone.
    It is best to never give out any information over the phone. People can easily be fooled into giving out information over the phone that they would never give to the same person face to face.
    If a person (or machine) ever calls requesting information it is best never to give it. If you are unsure of a caller, start asking questions. Ask for some proof that they are who they say they are, why they need the information, who has authorized the request for this information, and any other questions that you may have. Chances are that if they are not who they say they are, not supposed to be asking for the information that they are requesting, or have any sort of malicious intent they will become noticeably nervous or defensive and maybe just give up and end the call. However, this is not always the case. There are plenty of professionals who would not skip a beat when asked these types of questions. They have either done their research and know these answers and/or are skilled liars. Remember, the caller will try to gain your confidence before asking for any information. This is why is is best to never give out any information over the phone. Do not be fooled by the friendly voice on the phone.

How to tell if the person you are talking to may not be who they say they are.

1. The call comes from a private number.
2. The caller may be very knowledgeable and give a lot of additional information.
3. The caller will try to gain your confidence. This may be done by creating small talk, asking you positive questions (to get you in the habit of saying ‘yes’ and answering all of their questions).
4. The caller may ask for some crucial information in the middle of a series of unimportant questions.

Information to Safeguard:

-Your name
-Address - Physical, email, IP, ect.
-Phone Numbers
-Social Security Number
-Credit Card Numbers
-Bank Information
-Date of Birth
-Driver's License Number
-Mothers Maiden Name.
-Passwords and PINs.
-Age
-Utilities information
-Insurance information
-Place of work.
-Any information you may have on family, friends, coworkers, clients, ect.