The top 3 most effective ways to prevent identity theft

Did you know that in 2023 alone, over 1 million cases of identity theft were reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)? That’s a striking reminder of how important it is to protect your personal information. In fact, with Identity Theft Awareness Week coming up January 27–31, now’s the perfect time to brush up on ways to keep your identity safe. 

Here are a few simple tips that pack a powerful punch against identity theft:

Keep an Eye on Your Accounts: According to the FTC, credit card fraud made up 30% of all identity theft cases in 2023. Monitoring your bank and credit card statements regularly for unusual activity is key to catching unauthorized charges early.

Lock Down Your Passwords: Research shows that 60% of Americans reuse passwords, which makes accounts more vulnerable to hackers. Use strong, unique passwords for each account (no more “password123”!) and enable two-factor authentication. 

Guard Your Personal Info: Shred your mail and other personal papers before discarding them. SAFE provides free community shred events throughout the year to help you safely discard your sensitive documents. It's also important to think twice before sharing personal details online or over the phone. Taking the extra time to validate a website or unknown caller can really pay off.

If you think your identity has been compromised, don't panic, but take action right away. Contact your financial institution and credit card companies immediately to report any suspicious activity and freeze your accounts if needed. It's also a good idea to place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus. You can read more about whether you should freeze your credit report and how by clicking here.

For more tips, visit our SAFE Aware webpage or ftc.gov for resources to outsmart fraudsters and stay one step ahead.