Identity theft is a form of fraud where someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission to commit crimes or gain financial benefits.

There are several steps you can take to protect your identity:

• Keep your personal information secure, such as your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and passwords.
• Be cautious of phishing emails and phone calls. Do not provide personal information unless you are sure of the source.
• Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
• Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Be careful with your social media presence and limit the personal information you share online.
• Shred any documents containing sensitive information before disposing of them.
• Consider using identity theft protection services or credit monitoring services.

If you suspect identity theft, take the following steps:

1. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report any fraudulent charges or suspicious activity.
2. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the credit bureaus.
3. File a report with your local police department and obtain a copy of the report.
4. Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by filing a complaint on their website.
5. Consider freezing your credit to prevent any new accounts from being opened in your name.
6. Monitor your accounts and credit reports closely for any further signs of fraudulent activity.
7. Keep all documentation related to the identity theft for future reference.