Ask merchants not to write credit card numbers, telephone number, social security number, and driver's license number on the back of your personal checks.
Purchase goods with cash, rather than credit or checks.
Avoid shopping club and buyer cards.
If merchants ask personal questions, find out why they want to know before releasing the information.
Inform merchants that you do not want them to distribute your personal information.
Request, in writing, to be removed from mailing lists.