There are several actions you can take to protect your personal information:

• Never provide any personal, bank account or credit card information to anyone who contacts you through a telephone solicitation. Instead, it is advisable that you obtain their phone number through an outside source or demand they mail you information so that you can further research the company.
• Destroy all ATM and bank receipts, old insurance forms, bank checks, expired payment cards and any other papers that include account numbers, identification or personal information. This includes pre-approved credit card solicitations! Thieves often search your garbage to find these forms and information and use it to apply for credit in your name. 
• Be wary of promotional scams. Thieves may use phony offers to get you to give them your personal information.
• Secure personal information in your home. Treat payment card information like other important personal documents which should be stored in a secure place.

Set up an account alert to be notified immediately by email (or text) of any transaction amount above a specified dollar amount.