Identity Theft Protection & Response Guide

1. What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when criminals steal personal information (like Social Security numbers, bank accounts, or credit card details) to impersonate victims for fraudulent activities, including:

• Opening fake bank accounts
• Making unauthorized credit charges/taking loans
• Fraudulently claiming government benefits
• Committing crimes in your name

2. High-Risk Personal Data

⚠️ Extremely Sensitive (Requires immediate action if compromised):

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Bank account credentials
• Credit card security codes (CVV)
• Passport/Driver’s license numbers

⚠️ Generally Sensitive:

• Full name + date of birth
• Home address
• Email passwords
• Health insurance IDs

3. Common Theft Methods

Method	Example
Phishing emails/texts	Fake bank links requesting passwords
Data breaches	Hacked company databases leaking info
Mail theft	Stealing bills/checks from mailboxes
Public WiFi snooping	Intercepting unencrypted logins
Malware	Apps with hidden data-stealing viruses

4. Prevention Strategies

🔒 Proactive Protection:

• Place credit freezes with all three bureaus
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Check credit reports annually (AnnualCreditReport.com)
• Shred documents containing personal data

📱 Digital Habits:

• Avoid accessing banks on public WiFi
• Use unique passwords (password managers recommended)
• Verify unexpected “urgent” requests for information

5. Immediate Response Steps

① Critical Actions (First 24 Hours)

• Contact banks to freeze accounts
• File police reports (FTC accepts online reports)
• Place fraud alerts with Equifax/Experian/TransUnion

② Follow-Up (Within 1 Week)

• Submit an FTC Identity Theft Affidavit (IdentityTheft.gov)
• Contact IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit
• Reset all compromised passwords/PINs

③ Ongoing Monitoring

• Review account statements for suspicious activity
• Consider identity theft protection services (e.g., LifeLock)

6. Legal Protections

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Requires removal of fraudulent records
• Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act: Allows victims to sue for damages
• State-specific laws (e.g., California’s 10-year fraud alerts)

💡 Pro Tip: Treat your SSN like a “financial fingerprint”—never share it unless absolutely necessary (e.g., taxes, mortgages).