As part of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), we're continuing to help you stay vigilant against fraud and protect your personal and financial information. Earlier this week, we shared insights on identifying scams, including job scams, and today, we’ll focus on something even more crucial: identity theft.

Identity theft can happen in many ways — whether online, through your phone, or even in person — but there are steps you can take to safeguard your personal information and prevent fraudsters from gaining access to it. Let’s dive into how you can protect yourself:

Secure Your Information Online and on Your Phone

The internet and mobile devices have become central to our lives, but they can also be prime targets for cybercriminals. To protect your information, start with strong passwords. Avoid using easily guessable details like your name or birthdate, and instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

For an extra layer of protection, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA is a great way to add a second step to logging into your accounts, requiring a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This makes it much harder for scammers to break into your accounts, even if they manage to get hold of your password.

Store Sensitive Documents Securely

It’s important to store sensitive documents like your birth certificate, Social Security card, and account statements in a safe place. A locked drawer or safe is ideal. Avoid carrying these documents with you unless absolutely necessary.

When it comes to physical paperwork that contains personal information, remember to shred documents before disposing of them. This simple step can protect you from fraudsters who might try to retrieve your information from your trash.

Monitor Your Credit Reports Regularly

One of the best ways to detect identity theft early is by keeping a close eye on your credit reports. Look for any signs of unfamiliar accounts or transactions. If you spot anything suspicious, you can take action quickly to protect yourself.

Fortunately, you can get a free credit report from the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once a week, for free. Check them regularly to ensure that your information remains secure and there are no errors or signs of fraud.

Take Action if Your Information is Compromised

If you suspect that your personal information has been stolen or compromised, it’s important to act immediately. Contact your bank, credit card companies, and other relevant institutions to report the theft. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent further misuse.

Wrapping Up

By taking a few simple steps, you can make it much harder for identity thieves to access your personal and financial information. Stay vigilant, protect your information, and remember that prevention is the best defense.

We hope the tips shared during National Consumer Protection Week have been useful to you.

If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can file a complaint online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.