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Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit fraud. Criminals can use personal information such as a name, social security number, mother's maiden name and account-related information like account number, user name and password to impersonate another individual.

While you cannot guarantee you will not become a victim of identity theft, you can take steps to minimize your risk, including:

• Never share your online user IDs, passwords and PINs with others and do not leave this information anywhere others can easily gain access to it.
• When establishing your PIN or password, avoid easily guessed or common names and numbers (e.g., mother's maiden name, children's names, birth date, social security number and phone number). Change your passwords regularly.
• Keep legal documents such as your social security card and birth certificate in a safe place; do not carry these types of documents on your person.
• Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact or are sure you know the company with which you are dealing.
• Report lost or stolen checks, credit cards and ATM or debit cards immediately to the Bank. Close unused credit card accounts and destroy the credit card
• Request a copy of your credit report and be aware of who is accessing it. You can also request to only have the last four digits of your SSN to display on your credit report by calling each credit bureau.
• Protect your mail and trash. Understand your billing cycles and sign up for electronic bill payment if available. Shred documents with personal information before discarding them.

More information about identity theft and preventing it can be found at the Federal Trade Commission's site.

Refer to the Federal Trade Commission's site for specific steps to take in the event of identity theft. In general:

• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with each credit bureau.
• Close accounts that you believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Contact us immediately at 1-888-OUR-HRBB (1-888-687-4722) regarding your H&R Block accounts.
• File a report with local police or police in the community where the identity theft took place.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. This can be done by calling (877)IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or using the on-line complaint form at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft.