Since protecting your SSN is critical, keep it private. Provide your SSN to others only when absolutely necessary — don’t give it out just because a business asks for it or over email. Also, check your Social Security Administration earnings statement annually to make sure all your information is accurate.

3. Make Your Passwords Work for You

You don’t have to be tech-savvy to protect your accounts from hackers. Start by choosing a strong, unique password for each financial site you use, such as online banking, tax or brokerage accounts. Don’t have your computer automatically save passwords, especially on work computers, and change passwords regularly.

4. Protect Against Computer Spam and Viruses

Take advantage of the security software updates your operating system offers and make it a habit to use a firewall and anti-spam and anti-virus software. Before you donate or recycle an old computer, consider using a data wipe program to make sure nobody can recover your hard drive data. Alternatively, remove the hard drive and have it professionally destroyed.

Thieves who can’t hack into your computer for your financial information may try to get your information in other ways. Be wary of providing personal information over the phone or through the mail. Unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know the person you’re talking to, it’s better just to say no.

Phishing is a term for online scams that use official-looking emails that seem to come from the IRS or your bank, but actually are from thieves seeking your SSN, bank account information or passwords. Always be suspicious of this kind of email. The IRS never requests financial or personal information in email communications, and neither do legitimate companies. In addition, the IRS won’t call you to tell you that you owe taxes. They will send you a letter.

Thinking like a thief helps you reduce your risk of identity theft. Consider your tax documents, receipts and bank statements as potential trapdoors that allow entrance into your personal life. If you want to dispose of these financial documents safely, shred them.

Even if you aren’t interested in that credit card solicitation, a thief might be. He could plan to get a credit card in your name as a first step toward obtaining your SSN. Treat these pieces of junk mail like dangerous documents by:

• Shredding credit card solicitations.
• Getting off the list for pre-approved credit card offers.
• Reducing junk mail by changing your preferences at the Direct Marketing website.

With so many data breaches making headlines in recent years, it’s more important than ever to safeguard your information and check for fraud. Not every type of stolen personal information will result in tax-related identity theft, but there are things you can do to help prevent becoming another victim including:

• Find out what type of data was taken, if you receive notice of a data breach or computer hack.
• Stay in close contact with the affected company and find out what it’s doing to protect you.
• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a “fraud alert” on your credit record.
• Fill out and send IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.

Getting a locking mailbox prevents just anyone from checking to see what mail you’ve received. Since letters may contain private financial information, a locking mailbox can also prevent identity theft.