Nearly 33% of Americans have faced identity theft attempts, with a new case occurring every 22 seconds. In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to understand the risks and take proactive measures.

Common Sense Protections

• Don’t let mail sit uncollected — put it on hold when traveling
• Review credit card and bank statements regularly for suspicious activity
• Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager
• Enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts
• Monitor your credit reports annually from all three bureaus
• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi — use a VPN if necessary

If You Become a Victim

Recovery can involve disputing fraudulent activities in your credit files, working with the Social Security Administration if your SSN is compromised, and potentially contacting the IRS if your tax records are affected. The financial hardships caused by identity theft can last for months or even years — staying vigilant is your best ongoing defense.