Officials with the Chattooga County Sheriff's Department are concerned with the amount of reported identity fraud going on the area and offer a few tips to keep your money and credit safe.

Chief Deputy Kevin Woods says, above all, don't give people your personal information over the phone, which includes your social security number or bank account numbers.

He says, also don't purchase items or pay bills on any website unless they are secure websites. He said major, known company websites are usually safe. But if you're not familiar with the company, website, etc., don't do it.

He said when we go into a business and use our debit card, it's usually safer to use the debit card as a credit card, which keeps anyone from getting  your pin number. However, if someone does get a hold of your debit card, keep in mind they can use it as a credit card, without a pin number and clean out your bank account in a matter of minutes.

He said whenever using your debit card at a gas pump, use it as a credit card, and not as a debit card.

Also, Woods reminds us that if someone gives you a check for an amount larger than the amount they owe you, asking for you to refund the difference, don't do it. This is a scam.

And, if you've been notified that you've won a sweepstakes you haven't entered, chances are it's a scam. Anytime, someone tells you that you've won something but you have to pay them a certain amount of money, it's a scam.

Woods says, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

He says it's not a bad idea to check with your banking institution to find out ways you can make your accounts more secure.