Identity Theft Protection: What You Should Do

Identity theft is when someone uses your personally identifiable information (like Social Security number, financial account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.) to commit crimes or fraud.

Identity theft is a growing crime these days, and its important to know about identity theft protection so you can guard against unwanted compromises with your financial information.

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Below youll find stats on identity theft and some ways the Federal Trade Commission is encouraging you to protect yourself from identity theft.

Statistics on Identity Theft

Here are the  latest statistics on identity theft according to Identity Hawk:

Helpful Identity Theft Protection Tips

The FTC has a catchy way to remember identity theft protection tips. You can view the document here.  Heres what it says:

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you havent contacted, accounts you didnt open, and debts on your accounts that you cant explain.

Contact the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or charged without your okay.

File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you correct your credit report and deal with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

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