Identity theft occurs when someone uses your
personally identifying information, like your name,
Social Security number, or credit card number,
without your permission, to commit fraud or other
crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
- Shred documents with personal information before discarding
- Don’t give out your Social Security number or other personal information unless you know who you’re dealing with
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
- Inspect your credit reports, financial statements and bills regularly for activity you did not authorize or expect
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
- Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports
- Close the affected accounts
- File a police report
- Report ID theft to the FTC
