Be aware of identity theft risks

Published on January 30, 2023

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Has someone used your personal information to open accounts, steal your tax refund, or file fake health insurance claims? That’s identity theft. Around 1 in 15 people become victims. It can happen to anyone, but simple steps can help lessen the chance it will happen to you.

Steps to protect yourself from identity theft:

  • Check your mail often
  • Read your account statements
  • Track your credit reports
  • Create difficult logins and passwords
  • Ask questions before sharing your information

During Identity Theft Awareness Week 2023, the Federal Trade Commission and its partners will host free podcasts, webinars, Facebook Live interviews, and other events focused on avoiding and recovering from identity theft and spotting scams. Here are a few topics that will be presented:

  • Identity protection and your business
  • Identity theft and scams affect college students
  • Identity theft and older adults
  • Scams, tax related identity theft, and identity protection PINs

View the full schedule and list of Identity Theft Awareness topics.

Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission online at IdentityTheft.gov.