If you commence an over-the-phone transaction in public, such as checking a statement or balance, taking care of a problem with a credit card, or similar activities, always use your touch pad, never use voice recognition.

Minimize the amount of actual mail in which you receive payments or checks; many companies now have direct deposit and online pay bill options. This reduces the amount of sensitive information that can be stolen out of your mailbox.

Never get your checks printed with your license or SSN numbers. This will make it much harder for people to use your information.

Never give any information out that you aren't required to do. This applies to everyone no matter who they are, from telemarketers to door-to-door salesmen

Never give sensitive information over the phone. If you are asked for any sensitive information, make sure you know why the entity is contacting you and what exactly it is for. Even then you should be careful and look them up online if you're unsure who they are

Unless you are filling out an application for a job, passport or other similar reason, leave your social security card at home. This is imperative, as if someone gets a hold of that card, they can use it to impersonate you.

If you create an account online, make sure to use secure passwords composed of numbers and letters, and always have a password for your security questions. For example, if your question is "what was your childhood pet's name" don't actually give the name of your pet, but do use a codeword.