Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains and uses another person’s personal information, typically for financial gain. This can include stealing Social Security numbers, credit card details, bank account information, or other sensitive data.

To protect your personal information online, use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, enable two-factor authentication, avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured networks, and regularly update your software and antivirus programs. Additionally, be cautious about the information you share on social media.

If you suspect identity theft, immediately contact your financial institutions to report any unauthorized transactions, place a fraud alert on your credit reports, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and consider freezing your credit. It’s also a good idea to monitor your financial statements and credit reports closely for any signs of further unauthorized activity.

To secure your physical documents, store sensitive paperwork, such as Social Security cards, birth certificates, and financial statements, in a locked, secure location. Shred any documents containing personal information before disposing of them, and be cautious about sharing sensitive information in public or through the mail.

Red flags for identity theft include unexpected charges on your credit or bank statements, receiving bills for services you did not use, being denied credit unexpectedly, or receiving calls from debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours. It’s essential to regularly review your financial statements and credit reports to catch any suspicious activity early.

Effective password management strategies include using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, ensuring each password is unique for every account, changing passwords regularly, and using multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.

To protect yourself from phishing scams, be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information. Check the sender’s email address, look for signs of a scam such as poor grammar or urgent language, and never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. Verify the legitimacy of any requests by contacting the organization directly using official contact information.