Steps to take if your identity was stolen

Recognizing identity theft early and responding quickly is crucial for minimizing its impact.

Alert your bank or credit card companies immediately

Contact your bank or credit card companies promptly. They will assist you in securing your accounts, potentially placing temporary freezes or restrictions to prevent further unauthorized transactions.

Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication

First, reset the passwords for your sensitive accounts (e.g., email, banking, and major social media platforms) that can be used to impersonate you. Once you’re done with the other steps, go back and change the passwords to all your other accounts.

Continue monitoring your financial statements and accounts

Regularly check your financial statements and accounts. Despite password changes and freezes, ensure you haven't overlooked any accounts. Be vigilant, as thieves may attempt to steal your information again.

Google yourself

Search for any suspicious entries related to you on social media, forums, or marketplaces. Stolen identities may be used in these spaces.

Notify law enforcement

Gather evidence and file a police report. Even for online identity theft, reporting to local law enforcement establishes an official record, which can be crucial for proof if needed by financial institutions or other agencies.

Set up a fraud alert or credit freeze

A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A credit freeze, on the other hand, is even more restrictive and requires a few extra steps to complete, but it also means that new credit can’t be issued in that name while the freeze is in effect.

Replace stolen IDs and other documents

Contact relevant institutions responsible for issuing documents such as social security cards, driver’s licenses, passports, health insurance cards, and identity cards. Provide the identity theft report and request replacements.

Scan your devices for malware

Conduct thorough scans for malware on all devices. Malicious software, like keyloggers or remote access trojans, could have facilitated the identity theft. Utilize reputable premium antivirus software for comprehensive scans and removal of any detected threats.

How to prevent identity theft

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While the internet might feel like a minefield of potential threats, taking proactive steps can drastically reduce the chance of someone stealing your identity. Here are some of them:

• Create strong, unique passwords for each account, particularly for email, banking, and social media which can be used to impersonate you. Opt for lengthy and intricate passwords, utilizing a password manager for easy recall.
• Strengthen your security by setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). Even if your password is compromised, this additional layer provides crucial protection.
• Safeguard your personal documents that can identify you like passports and tax forms in a secure home location. Shred or burn anything with personal info – don't just toss it.
• Download your bank's dedicated app to actively monitor your accounts. Timely notifications reduce the risk of overlooking unauthorized transactions.
• Minimize online oversharing, especially on social media. Social media encourages oversharing, but less info about you online means it's tougher for crooks to put together your identity puzzle.
• Give your online accounts' privacy settings a once-over regularly and ensure that only approved friends have access to shared information.
• Keep your software and operating systems up to date — outdated apps might have vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers can exploit.
• Say no to unsecured public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Encrypt your home and mobile internet connections to prevent unauthorized access to your transmitted data.