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Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully acquires or uses another person's personal information, often for financial gain. This information may be obtained through a variety of methods, including phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, stolen mail, compromised online accounts, or observation of sensitive information during public transactions.

While it may not be possible to prevent identity theft entirely, taking simple precautions and managing personal information carefully can significantly reduce your risk.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Identity Theft

Protect Your Personal Information

• Shred documents that contain personal or financial information before discarding them.
• Do not carry sensitive documents (such as your Social Security card or birth certificate) unless absolutely necessary; store them securely.
• Bring mail in promptly and avoid leaving it unattended in mailboxes.
• Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information by phone, email, or text—especially if the request is unsolicited.
• If contacted unexpectedly, ask the organization to provide information in writing or contact them directly using a trusted phone number.

Monitor Financial Accounts 

• Review bank and credit card statements regularly and report any unauthorized transactions immediately.
• Monitor your credit reports periodically for unfamiliar accounts or activity.
• Keep records of financial account numbers and customer service contact information in a secure location, in case cards are lost or stolen.
• Watch for missing financial statements or replacement cards and notify the issuer if they do not arrive as expected.

Practice Safe Online Habits

• Avoid using personal details (such as your birthdate or name) when creating passwords or PINs.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi‑factor authentication whenever available.
• Be cautious of emails, phone calls, or messages claiming you have won prizes or awards—especially if they request personal or financial information.
• Do not leave ATM or point‑of‑sale receipts behind after completing transactions.

If You Suspect Identity Theft

If you believe your personal information has been compromised, contact your financial institutions immediately and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with credit reporting agencies.