You'll also get a free copy of your credit score report -- examine it and keep in contact with the credit bureaus until they correct any fraudulent charges or accounts you find there. Credit card companies restrict your liability on fraudulent purchases, and you may dispute false expenses. A savings account that has no checks issued and is not linked to any debit card shall be a lot more durable for a thief to gain entry to. If you keep a big amount of cash in your main checking account, then all that money is weak if somebody steals your debit card or writes checks in your name. Whenever you send mail, use secure, opaque envelopes so no one can learn account numbers or spot checks simply by holding them up to the light. Only use ATMs in secure, properly-lit areas, and don't use the machine if somebody is standing too shut or looking over your shoulder.