How to Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year, causing financial damage, emotional distress, and countless hours spent recovering. The best defense is prevention.

1. Remove Your Personal Information From the Internet

Identity thieves start by gathering information about their targets. The less information available about you online, the harder you are to target.

• Opt out of data broker sites that publish your personal information
• Set social media profiles to private
• Avoid sharing sensitive information in public posts
• Use a P.O. Box for mail when possible
• Consider using a privacy protection service for comprehensive coverage

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for criminals to access your accounts.

Password Best Practices:

• Make them long: At least 12 characters, preferably 16+
• Make them unique: Never reuse passwords across sites
• Make them complex: Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Use a password manager: Tools like 1Password or Bitwarden generate and store secure passwords
• Change them if compromised: If a site reports a breach, change your password immediately

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring something you know (password) and something you have (phone or security key).

• Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer it, especially email and financial accounts
• Use authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy) instead of SMS when possible
• Consider a hardware security key for maximum protection

4. Monitor Your Credit

Regular credit monitoring helps you catch unauthorized activity early.

• Check your credit reports: You're entitled to free reports from all three bureaus annually at AnnualCreditReport.com
• Set up fraud alerts: Require creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts
• Consider a credit freeze: Prevents new accounts from being opened in your name
• Monitor your statements: Review bank and credit card statements monthly

5. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

Phishing remains one of the most common ways criminals steal personal information.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Urgent requests for personal information
• Emails with spelling errors or unusual formatting
• Links that don't match the supposed sender
• Requests to verify account information
• Unsolicited phone calls asking for sensitive data

6. Use Dark Web Monitoring

Your personal information may already be circulating on the dark web. Monitoring services alert you when your data appears in breaches or on criminal marketplaces.

• Get alerts when your email appears in data breaches
• Monitor for leaked passwords
• Know if your Social Security number is being sold
• Take action before criminals can use your information

7. Secure Your Mail

Physical mail theft is still a common way for identity thieves to gather information.

• Use a locked mailbox or P.O. Box
• Opt for paperless statements when possible
• Shred sensitive documents before disposal
• Don't leave outgoing mail with checks in an unsecured mailbox

Take Control of Your Identity

Preventing identity theft requires vigilance, but the effort is worth it. By removing your information from data brokers, using strong security practices, and monitoring for threats, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.