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    Safety & Privacy
    Intermediate
    2 min read 8 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

    Practical steps to keep your personal information safe and what to do if it's stolen.

    In this guide (8 steps):

    1. 1.What is identity theft?
    2. 2.Freeze your credit
    3. 3.Monitor your accounts
    4. 4.Protect your Social Security number
    5. 5.Secure your mail
    6. 6.Be careful what you share online
    7. 7.Signs your identity was stolen
    8. 8.What to do if it happens
    1

    What is identity theft?

    ~15s
    Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information (Social Security number, credit card, bank details) without permission. They may open accounts, make purchases, or file taxes in your name.
    2

    Freeze your credit

    ~15s
    Contact all three credit bureaus to freeze your credit for free: Equifax (equifax.com), Experian (experian.com), TransUnion (transunion.com). A freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
    3

    Monitor your accounts

    ~15s
    Check bank and credit card statements weekly. Set up transaction alerts — your bank can text you for every purchase. Review your free credit report annually at annualcreditreport.com.
    4

    Protect your Social Security number

    ~15s
    Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give your SSN when absolutely necessary (tax forms, employment, financial accounts). Ask why it's needed and if a partial number will suffice.
    5

    Secure your mail

    ~15s
    Collect mail promptly. Consider a locked mailbox. Shred documents with personal info before throwing them away. Opt for paperless statements from banks and utilities.
    6

    Be careful what you share online

    ~15s
    Social media quizzes ("What was your first car?") harvest security question answers. Don't post your birthday, address, mother's maiden name, or pet names publicly.
    7

    Signs your identity was stolen

    ~15s
    Bills for accounts you didn't open. Calls from debt collectors about unknown debts. Unexpected credit score changes. Missing mail. IRS says you already filed taxes. Medical bills for services you didn't receive.
    8

    What to do if it happens

    ~15s
    Report to identitytheft.gov (FTC). File a police report. Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus. Contact affected companies. Keep detailed records of every step. The FTC provides a personalized recovery plan.

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure