Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Understanding the Threat

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) repo r ted over 1 billion data breach victims in the second quarter of 2024, a staggering 1,170% increase from the previous year’s 82 million victims during the same period.

According to an AARP report, identity fraud cost Americans $43 billion in 2023. These numbers highlight the importance of increased awareness and proactive measures to protect personal information from data breaches.

Preventing Identity Theft

Preventing identity theft involves several critical steps:

Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for unusual activity. Promptly report any discrepancies to your financial institution.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong passwords for each account. Avoid reusing passwords and consider using a password manager to track them.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods. This can include something you know (password), something you have (security token) or something you are (fingerprint, facial recognition).
Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid unnecessarily sharing personal information, such as Social Security numbers. Be wary of phishing scams that attempt to collect this data through emails, phone calls or texts.
Secure Your Devices: Keep your software updated to protect against vulnerabilities. This applies to your phones, computers, home internet router, and smart devices like refrigerators, doorbells, and thermostats.

Detecting Identity Theft

Early detection can minimize damage. Signs of identity theft include:

Unexpected charges on your accounts.
New accounts or credit cards you didn’t apply for.
Denied credit when you haven’t missed payments.
Notices from the IRS about unfiled taxes or other discrepancies.

Regularly reviewing your credit report is essential. By law, you’re entitled to a free annual report from f the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Responding to Identity Theft

If you suspect your identity has been stolen, take immediate action:

Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
Review Your Credit Reports: Check your credit reports for unauthorized activity. Dispute any fraudulent entries with the credit bureaus.
Close Compromised Accounts: Contact the companies where fraudulent accounts were opened or used. Close these accounts and create new ones with stronger security measures.
File a Report: Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. Use the recovery plan provided by the Identity Theft Resource Center to guide you through reclaiming your identity.
Notify Law Enforcement: File a police report to document the theft. This can be useful in clearing your name and pursuing legal action against the thieves.

Staying Informed and Vigilant

Educate yourself about the latest scams and security threats. Resources like the FTC, ITRC, and cybersecurity newsletters provide valuable information on protecting your identity. Regularly updating your knowledge can help you stay ahead of potential threats. By taking proactive steps to secure your personal information and knowing how to respond if your identity is compromised, you can significantly reduce the risk and impact of identity theft.

Additional Resources:

For more detailed information and resources on how to protect yourself from Identity Theft, visit:

Learn more about Oakland County’s Information Security Office here. Visit their Citizen Cyber Training portal for online education and online cybersecurity resources to help understand risks and be better prepared for a more secure online experience.

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