You'll additionally get a free copy of your credit report -- examine it and stay involved with the credit bureaus until they right any fraudulent costs or accounts you discover there. Bank card firms limit your legal responsibility on fraudulent purchases, and you'll dispute false fees. A savings account that has no checks issued and is not linked to any debit card will probably be a lot more durable for a thief to gain entry to. If you keep a large amount of money in your most important checking account, then all that cash is susceptible if someone steals your debit card or writes checks in your name. When you ship mail, use secure, opaque envelopes so nobody can read account numbers or spot checks simply by holding them up to the light. Only use ATMs in safe, properly-lit places, and do not use the machine if someone is standing too shut or wanting over your shoulder.