Identity Protection
Safeguarding your personal information and preventing identity theft.
Understanding Identity Theft Risks
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal identifying information (PII) – like your name, Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, or account numbers – without permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
Financial Fraud
Opening new credit card accounts, taking out loans, draining bank accounts, or making unauthorized purchases in your name.
Medical Identity Theft
Using your name and health insurance information to obtain medical care, prescriptions, or equipment, potentially corrupting your medical records.
Criminal Identity Theft
Committing crimes while impersonating you, potentially leading to warrants or criminal records in your name.
Tax Identity Theft
Filing fraudulent tax returns using your SSN to claim refunds.
Employment Identity Theft
Using your SSN and identity to gain employment.
Synthetic Identity Theft
Combining real information with fake information to create entirely new, fraudulent identities.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Secure Your Social Security Number
Treat your SSN as highly confidential. Never carry your SSN card in your wallet. Only provide it when absolutely necessary and you trust the entity.
Shred Sensitive Documents
Use a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder for documents containing personal or financial information before disposal.
Secure Your Mail
Use a locked mailbox, promptly collect mail, and use secure methods for outgoing sensitive mail.
Be Cautious Online
Limit sharing personal details publicly on social media and websites.
Monitor Your Credit
Check credit reports annually from all three bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com.
Credit Freezes & Fraud Alerts
Credit Freeze (Security Freeze)
The strongest measure that locks your credit file, preventing most third parties from accessing your credit report unless you temporarily "thaw" it.
Fraud Alert
A less restrictive measure requiring creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
How to Set Up (US-based)
Responding to Identity Theft
Place Fraud Alerts/Credit Freezes
Contact credit bureaus immediately to place alerts or freezes.
Report to FTC
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov.
File a Police Report
File with local police and get a copy of the report.
Contact Affected Companies
Close fraudulent accounts and dispute unauthorized charges.