Identity theft affects millions annually, with the average victim spending over 200 hours on recovery. This guide covers prevention, early detection, and recovery steps to protect your identity.
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A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. It's free at all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and doesn't affect your credit score. You can temporarily lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit.
Check your credit reports at least quarterly through AnnualCreditReport.com (free). Look for accounts you didn't open, addresses you don't recognize, and inquiries you didn't authorize.
Signs your identity may have been stolen: bills for accounts you didn't open, calls from debt collectors about unknown debts, denied credit applications when your credit should be good, IRS notices about multiple tax filings, or medical bills for services you didn't receive.
Only provide your SSN when legally required (tax filings, employment, financial accounts). Ask why it's needed and if an alternative identifier can be used. Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
Each account should have a unique, strong password (use a password manager). Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it. This limits the damage if one account is compromised.