Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal or financial information – like your Social Security number, account details, or online passwords – without your permission. Knowing how identity theft occurs and what steps to take can help you protect yourself and act quickly if something doesn’t look right.
How Identity Theft Happens
Criminals use many methods to steal personal information, including:
- Phishing emails or text messages pretending to be from your bank, employers, or familiar companies
- Data breaches from companies that store personal information
- Stolen mail or documents, including credit card offers or bank statements
- Fake websites or apps designed to collect login credentials
- Social engineering scams, where criminals manipulate you into sharing information
You may be a victim of identity theft if you notice These Common Warning Signs:
Examples
Account Takeover:
A customer noticed small, unfamiliar charges on their debit card. A scammer had gained access through a phishing email.
New Account Fraud:
A young adult applied for an apartment and was denied due to poor credit—only to discover someone had opened a credit card in their name months earlier.
Tax Identity Theft:
A customer tried to file their taxes and was told they had already been filed. A scammer had used their Social Security number to submit a fraudulent return.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
- Review bank and credit card statements regularly
- Shred documents containing personal information
- Be cautious about sharing personal details online or over the phone
- Keep your devices updated with the latest security software
- Monitor your credit reports for unfamiliar activity
What to Do If You Suspect Identity Theft
If something doesn’t feel right, act quickly:
- Contact us
- Change your passwords and review recent activity
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus
Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov
