Identity Theft Awareness Week
01/29/2025
Identity Theft Awareness Week
Identity theft is a pervasive and extremely damaging problem that continues to cost people money and peace of mind. In honor of the Identity Theft Awareness Week, we will explore some basics of identity theft, some warning signs, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal or financial information and uses that information to pretend to be you (FTC.gov). They may steal your name, credit card information, and even your social security number. With this information they will then commit fraud in a variety of ways. They may open new credit cards or make purchases with your existing card. They may open utility accounts or take out debt in your name, or they may even identify themselves to the police with your name. No matter what they choose to do with this information, it can have long-lasting and costly effects on the victim.
In order to protect yourself from identity theft, there are several things you should do in your everyday life.
- Never give out any personal identifying information over the phone or through email. Many scammers will call, text, email, or message you through various platforms impersonating a legitimate business in order to obtain details like name, address, and credit card or social security numbers. The best practice is to always stop contact and reach out to the entity at a trusted phone number.
- Closely monitor your financial information. One sign of identity theft is a change in your credit report and bank statements. It is recommended to regularly check both to see if there are any unexplained transactions. Sudden drops in your credit score may indicate someone has taken out debt in your name. If you notice either unexplained changes to your credit score or charges to your credit card, reach out to the appropriate entity for the next steps.
- Keep an eye on your mail. Mail is one of the first signs of identity theft. You may receive spam mail claiming you won a contest you never entered or even information from a bank for an account you never opened. Both are signs someone has your information and is trying to commit fraud with it.
Staying aware is the best way to combat identity theft.
If you believe you or a loved one may be a victim of identity theft, there are several steps you should take. First, would be to place a credit freeze. This will stop anyone from opening a new credit account. You can also place a fraud alert on your account. Next, contact any affected institutions. If they have gotten any credit card information or financial information, contact your bank at a trusted number. If they have your social security number, reach out to the Social Security Administration. Only ever reach out to these institutions at a trusted, verified number to protect yourself from further fraud. Finally, visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/ for further steps you can take for recovery after identity theft and to report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Identity theft is a very serious and costly crime for its victims. However, through proper care, it can be avoided.
P.S. Our 2025 Shred-It Day will be May 17th! Keep an eye out for more details!
Resources:
https://www.identitytheft.gov/
https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10064.pdf
Sources:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft