We hear all the time about being cautious when it comes to sharing information online, how to protect our digital accounts with strong passwords, and to be careful about what we click on or download. But what about all the other personal information we have lying around or are asked to share?

Take a quick look around your house and you’ll get an idea of how easy it can be for someone to steal information about you.
 

There might be bank statements, bills, prescription bottles, forms, tax statements, credit offers and much more that contain enough information that someone with bad intentions could use to impersonate you or to commit fraud in your name. And that doesn’t include information you share with doctors, schools and businesses.
 

Just like your digital life, it’s important that you safeguard other information as well.
 

Here are some things to think about:
 

Lock up or hide bank or credit card statements, checkbooks, utility bills or other important documents - such as tax returns - that could contain anything from account numbers and balances to your Social Security number. This is even more important if you plan to have people you don’t know well in and out of your home.
 

Be careful where you put your wallet and what you keep in it. You don’t want to expose your bank or credit card numbers or your medical insurance information. Don’t carry your Social Security card or a list of all your account usernames and passwords that could cause you all sorts of headaches if lost or stolen.
 

Shred or destroy paper documents or plastic cards that you no longer need. This includes old bills, tax documents, credit offers you get in the mail, expired bank cards or paper checks. You should even peel labels off prescription bottles before throwing them away.
 

When filling out paper forms at schools or offices, ask if all the information is necessary. If not, leave things blank when possible.
 

Just keep in mind that you need to protect any document that contains personal information that crooks could use to target your accounts or gain information about you that could be used to commit identity theft and fraud.