Identity theft can happen to anyone and it can be a hassle to recover from, so it’s best to take preventative measures to protect yourself. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal or financial information without permission.
If a person gets a hold of your information they could use it to open a credit card, make large purchases, get a loan, or receive medical care in your name. Personal information that someone may use to steal your identity includes your name and addresses, credit card or social security number, bank account information, or Medicare number.
Signs that your identity may be stolen include receiving bills for items you did not buy, debt collection calls for accounts you did not open, denial of loan applications due to poor credit, and missing mail.
Protecting your information is the best way to stay safe from identity theft! Do not answer phone calls, texts, social media messages, or emails from numbers or people you do not know. Do not share personal information like your bank account number, Social Security number, or date of birth, or Medicare number. Make sure to collect your mail every day to ensure it does not get stolen. If you are going away, ask a family member or friend to get your mail or put a hold on your mail at the post office.
You may not know right away if someone has stolen your identity, so it’s a good idea to monitor your accounts and credit for any suspicious activity. Review your credit card and bank account statements regularly to make sure there are no unauthorized transactions. You can also monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity.
According to usa.gov, you can get a free credit report each year from the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by the federal government to issue free, annual credit reports. You can request your report by visiting the website or by calling 877-322-8228.
You may want additional peace of mind, especially if you aren’t able to stay on top of monitoring your or your loved one’s credit. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a credit freeze is an additional option for protecting against identity theft. The FTC website states, “a credit freeze limits access to your credit report so no one, including you, can open new accounts until the freeze is lifted.” You need to place a freeze with all three credit reporting agencies to fully protect your credit. You can do this online, by phone or by mail. The freeze will stay in place until you lift it. According to the FTC, you will receive a PIN or password to use each time you place or lift a freeze on your credit.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call (877) 438-4338.