Free educational resource

You can reduce the risk and impact from identity theft

Every year, millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft. The good news is with the right knowledge, you can stay one step ahead.

1 in 3

Americans will experience identity theft in their lifetime

$5.8B

Lost to fraud by consumers in a single year

30%

Of identity theft victims are adults over 60

Warning signs to watch for

Knowing the warning signs is your first line of defense. Watch for these red flags:

You receive bills for accounts you never opened, or statements for purchases you didn't make.

You're turned down for credit or loans even though you have a good payment history.

Debt collectors contact you about debts that aren't yours — a sign someone used your identity.

Your regular mail stops arriving — a thief may have redirected it to steal your information.

Unfamiliar accounts, addresses, or inquiries appear on your credit report.

You can't log in to your bank or email — someone may have changed your password.

A credit freeze is free and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. Contact all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Never reuse passwords across accounts. Use a passphrase — three or four random words strung together — that's easy to remember but hard to guess.

Shred bank statements, medical records, and pre-approved credit offers before throwing them away. Dumpster diving is a real threat.

Check your bank and credit card statements at least once a month. Catching fraud early limits the damage significantly.

Acting quickly is the most important thing you can do. Here's where to start:

1
Place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus (they notify the others).
2
Review your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com for unfamiliar accounts.
3
Report the theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov — they'll create a personal recovery plan.
4
File a report with your local police department for documentation.

You don't have to face this alone. Our free guide walks you through everything you need to know — in plain language, step by step.