How Do I Prevent Identity Theft Online?

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Big data breaches make headlines more often than we’d like, making it clear that the companies we trust with our information can’t protect us from an attack. That makes it our responsibility to take actions that will help prevent identity theft. Knowing what to look for—and what you can do about identity theft—is the best way to keep your personal data out of the hands of hackers.

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What is identity theft? 

Identity theft is when someone accesses your personal information and uses it for financial gain. Personal data or financial information that is entered online can be a smorgasbord for identity thieves on the prowl.

The stolen information can be anything from your full name and birthdate to your Social Security number and banking information. Identity thieves can use this data to tap into your bank account, open new credit accounts in your name, or charge up your existing credit cards.

How to spot identity theft

The bad news is that identity thieves are sneaky, and identity theft can happen without much fanfare. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for so you can stop identity theft before it takes a big toll on your finances.

Know your finances

Make it a habit to regularly check your credit report, checking and savings account statements, phone bills, utility bills, loan account statements, credit card bills, and government benefit statements.

Recognize the warning signs

As you review your accounts, keep an eye out for new applications made in your name, unauthorized charges or withdrawals, notices from debt collection agencies, bills for accounts you didn’t open, and unusual activity on your Social Security number.

How to prevent identity theft

The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize your risk of identity theft—especially when you’re online.


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Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca is the Managing Editor and lead safety expert at SafeWise.com, where she's been researching, testing, and writing about home and personal security for over 12 years. Her safety smarts come from both real life and professional experience—as a single parent trying out safety and security gadgets to protect her family and a former college director responsible for safety plans and strategies to keep buildings, grounds, and hundreds of students and faculty safe every day. With 30 years of experience as a journalist and blogger, she's become a go-to source for trustworthy, practical advice on everything from the best home security systems and smart gadgets to keeping kids safe online, preventing package theft, and understanding crime trends nationwide. PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, NPR, Vice, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, HGTV, Marketplace, On the House, and more have featured Rebecca's expert insights and recommendations. Whether it's protecting your home, your loved ones, or your peace of mind, Rebecca makes safety simple, doable, and real.

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