Personal information security

I got some new ideas on improving security of my personal information from tips emailed to me at work. Use the tips below to better protect your personal information:

• When printing checks, print only your first initial and last name. A check forger will not know what first name to use.
• Do not list your phone number on a printed check. Write it in by hand, but only when required.
• Do not sign your credit cards, despite the instruction on the card to do so. If your card gets stolen, a signature is a great find for a forger. Instead, use pen to write on the signature line, "Require Photo ID." It helps.
• Photocopy both sides of your driver's license, all credit cards, etc. If any get lost or stolen, you have a fast memory jog, including the emergency numbers to call.
• Fill in only the required parts of an online form. The more information you reveal, the greater the chance of its misuse.