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home › Life Events & Financial Decisions › Crisis and Emergencies › Identity Theft

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Prevent and remedy identity theft

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There are many kinds of identity theft, and all involve using your personal data without your knowledge. The good news is you can reduce the risk of it happening to you.

Be Aware

The two most common forms of identity theft are:
  1. Stealing your personal data such as name, date of birth, and social security number to purchase items, withdraw cash, or open new accounts in your name.
  2. Using your “cloned” identity to get a job, evade law enforcement, or live as you.

Protect Your Belongings

  • Shred credit card bills, legal documents, and personal mail containing sensitive data.
  • Leave your social security card and passport in a bank safety deposit box or other safe location outside your home.
  • Review your quarterly social security report. If it says you earned more than you did, you might be a victim.

Guard Your Personal Information

  • Never give out personal or financial information on the phone unless you initiated the call and know the company.
  • Use a different PIN or password for each personal account, and change it frequently.
  • Look out for phishing, when an e-mail looks like it came from a real bank or store but is actually meant to rip you off.
  • Always type in a URL yourself. Some e-mail scams ask you to click a link to verify your information.
  • Install firewalls and anti-spyware on your computer to prevent viruses or downloads designed to steal your personal information. Visit here for software.
  • When making online purchases, use sites with the prefix “https,” which mean they’re secure. 

Signs Your Identity Might Have Been Stolen

  • You notice your regular bills stop coming. An identity thief might have changed the address on your accounts.
  • You spot unusual activity on your credit cards.
  • You receive a credit card or other type of credit notice you didn’t apply for.
  • You receive phone calls from debt collectors on credit accounts you didn’t open.
  • Read more signs from the Federal Trade Commission.

Act Quickly

Most identity thieves who steal credit cards and other financial data act within the first 48 hours. If you notice any of the above, or if your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, do the following:
  • Immediately contact all creditors to alert them to the theft, and place your accounts on fraud alert using one of these credit reporting agencies. 
  • File a police report.
  • Change all passwords on your online accounts.
If your social security number has been compromised, send an e-mail to or visit the fraud reporting bureau of the Social Security Administration.
 
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