Even if the person sounds absolutely legitimate, you should ere on the side of caution when releasing this information.  Unless you have initiated the contact, do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the internet.  If you are not sure who you are dealing with, first do some research:  for example, in response to a promotion.  Many identity thieves create phony promotional offers to lure you in and then ask for your personal information. They may also pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs), and even government agencies.  Find out who the caller is representing and make some phone calls about the legitimacy of the organization. 

To find more information on how to protect you and your family against identity theft please see the Federal Trade Commission’s website at: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft.