Protect personal info such as your address or Social Security number. Scammers can use it to make illegal purchases or open fake accounts.

Ways to guard against identity theft

  • Safeguard your personal info and be careful about sharing it.
  • Beware of people tricking you for information.
  • Use complex passwords for your online accounts and change them often.
  • Don’t use the same password on multiple websites.
  • Don't open emails or links from unknown sources.
  • Don't give out your email address without knowing precisely how it will be used.
  • Be wary of phone calls that ask for personal details or make unrealistic promises.

Report identity theft

You can contact any of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert asks creditors to contact you before they open new accounts or change existing ones.

Other steps to take in case of identity theft

  • Close accounts you know or suspect were tampered with or opened fraudulently.
  • File a police report. Get a copy of it to submit to your creditors or others who may require proof of the crime.
  • Report identity theft at www.identitytheft.gov.
  • Check the online Federal Trade Commission (FTC) resources. The FTC has an identity theft database that can be used for investigations. Also, filing a complaint helps the FTC learn more about identity theft and the problems it creates.
Last updated: December 15, 2023

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