The Complete Identity Theft Reduction Guide
Everything you need to know — in plain language. From understanding how thieves operate to protecting yourself and recovering if you've fallen victim.
Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It can happen to anyone. Seniors though are disproportionately targeted because they often have good credit, retirement savings, and may be less familiar with digital scams.
Types of identity theft
Identity theft takes many forms. Knowing the different types helps you recognize when something is wrong.
Financial identity theft
A thief uses your name and financial information to open new credit cards, take out loans, or drain existing bank accounts. This is the most common form.
Medical identity theft
Someone uses your Medicare or insurance information to receive medical care or prescription drugs. This can corrupt your medical records and lead to incorrect treatment.
Tax identity theft
A thief files a fraudulent tax return using your Social Security number to claim your refund before you file. You may not discover this until you try to file your own return.
Phone and utility fraud
Your identity is used to open phone, electricity, or cable accounts. You may receive bills for services you never used.
Social Security fraud
Criminals use your Social Security number to collect benefits, gain employment, or create fraudulent government records in your name.
Mail and address fraud
Thieves redirect your mail to steal financial statements, checks, and pre-approved credit offers. They may also change your address with the post office.
How thieves get your information
Understanding how thieves work is the first step to stopping them.
Phishing emails and calls
Fraudulent emails or phone calls impersonating banks, Medicare, the IRS, or Social Security Administration to trick you into revealing personal information.
Data breaches
Large-scale hacks of companies, hospitals, or government agencies expose millions of records at once. Your information may be sold on the dark web.
Mail theft
Stealing physical mail from your mailbox — especially financial statements, tax documents, and pre-approved credit offers.
Dumpster diving
Going through trash to find discarded documents containing personal information. Always shred sensitive documents before disposal.
Skimming devices
Hidden devices placed on ATMs or gas station card readers that capture your card information when you swipe.
Social engineering
Manipulating you into revealing information through fake emergencies, romance scams, or impersonating family members in distress.
Your complete prevention checklist
Protect your documents
- Shred all financial statements, medical records, and pre-approved credit offers before discarding.
- Store your Social Security card, passport, and Medicare card in a secure location — not your wallet.
- Collect your mail promptly. If you travel, use the USPS Hold Mail service.
- Opt for electronic statements to reduce paper mail containing sensitive information.
Secure your finances
- Place a free credit freeze with all three bureaus: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-888-909-8872).
- Review your bank and credit card statements every month for unauthorized charges.
- Check your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com at least once a year — or every four months by rotating bureaus.
- Set up account alerts with your bank to notify you of any transactions over a set amount.
Stay safe online
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account. A passphrase of three or four random words is both secure and memorable.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email, bank, and social media accounts.
- Never click links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Go directly to the official website instead.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or entering personal information.
Guard your Medicare and Social Security
- Never give your Medicare number to anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Medicare will never call you asking for it.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for services you didn't receive.
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to monitor your earnings record and prevent someone else from claiming benefits.
- Report Medicare fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
If you've been a victim: step-by-step recovery
If you've already been targeted, act quickly. Here's exactly what to do.
Place a fraud alert
Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a free fraud alert. They are required to notify the other two. A fraud alert makes it harder for a thief to open new accounts in your name.
Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 | Experian: 1-888-397-3742 | TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872
Get your credit reports
Request free copies of your credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review them carefully for accounts you don't recognize.
AnnualCreditReport.com | 1-877-322-8228
Report to the FTC
File an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will create a personalized recovery plan and provide pre-filled letters to send to creditors and agencies.
IdentityTheft.gov | 1-877-438-4338
File a police report
File a report with your local police department. Bring your FTC Identity Theft Report, a government-issued ID, and proof of your address. Keep a copy for your records.
Your local police non-emergency line
Contact affected institutions
Call the fraud department of each bank, credit card company, or creditor where fraudulent accounts were opened. Ask them to close the accounts and send you written confirmation.
Use the number on the back of your card or official website
Consider a credit freeze
After resolving the immediate fraud, place a credit freeze with all three bureaus to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name going forward.
Free at all three bureaus — see contacts above
Download the full prevention guide
Print this guide and keep it handy — or share it with a family member. It covers everything on this page plus additional resources and contact numbers.