Protecting Your Personal Information
Learn which personal information scammers value most and the best practices for keeping your Social Security number, Medicare number, and financial details safe.
Lesson content
Summary
Some information is far more valuable than others. Protect these first.
Highest Priority Information
- Social Security Number
- Bank account numbers
- Investment accounts
- Medicare number
- Credit card numbers
- Birthdate
- Home address
Best Practices
Never share information because someone called you. Instead:
- Hang up.
- Find the official phone number.
- Call them back yourself.
Safety Tip
Treat your Medicare number like a credit card.
Practice Activity
Make a list of information you would never share over the phone.
Step-by-step actions
- Never share high-value information because someone called you.
- Hang up and call back using an official phone number you look up yourself.
- Treat your Medicare number like a credit card — protect it carefully.
- Keep a written list of information you will never share over the phone.
Never Share Over the Phone
- Social Security Number
- Medicare number
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Passwords and security codes
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Keep learning with these related topics.
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Understanding Identity Theft
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