Identity theft is something that has affected millions of people and someone assumes their identity in its entirety. It’s a serious problem that can ruin your reputation, your finances, and even your credit score if you’re unlucky enough to be a victim. The truth is, you may not have had your identity stolen yet, but you may know someone who has experienced such crimes. As with any problem, it’s better to take precautions to keep yourself protected than to try to fix the situation when it’s already happened. And luckily, with identity theft, there are easy things to do that can help keep you protected.

1. Carry only what is necessary in your bag or purse. Most of the people tend to keep all the valuable items in their purses and handbags. While it may be a convenience, it risks a lot in case you end up losing your wallet. Avoid carrying important items like social security cards and your security numbers in your bag, and instead keep them safe at home. It also helps to not carry all your credit cards with you and never carry PIN numbers for any credit cards or ATMs you have.

2. Shred all documents with sensitive information before disposal. Paperwork and financial documents should not be left lying around or thrown away in perfect condition. This is because many identity thieves use them to steal your personal information. If you don’t have control over disposal like in an office, be sure to use the paper shredder to keep your data safe. Documents you should be very careful about disposing of include receipts and bills, tax forms, credit card applications, and loan applications.

3. Keep an eye on your credit scores and report. This is one of the best ways to receive warnings that your identity may have been stolen. New credit cards and loan accounts you didn’t open, as well as addresses and names, multiple credit inquiries from companies you’re not associated with are clues that you may have become a victim. You can get free credit reports from the relevant credit bureaus and monitor credit scores just as easily to spot anything suspicious and take action before things get worse.

4. Choose strong passwords and usernames for your online accounts. It’s something most people don’t pay attention to, but it can go a long way in keeping your identity safe. In fact, it is recommended that you avoid using the same password and username for all the online accounts you have. Regularly changing passwords and choosing strong passwords every time is also very helpful in making it more difficult for thieves to crack and gain access to your accounts.

5. Review bank and credit card statements. Identity thieves are often after your finances, so keeping a close eye on your statements can help you handle a situation before significant damage occurs. Although professional thieves can easily open new accounts and have statements mailed elsewhere, it’s still a move that can protect you from petty theft.