ID Theft
What is identity Theft?
Identity theft is a two-step process. First, someone steals your personal information. Second, the thief uses that information to impersonate you and commit fraud. Of course, stealing your personal information isn't the
worst of the crime; it's the second part of this process that does the most harm: using your information to commit credit card fraud, mortgage and utilities scams; and leave you with emptied bank accounts.
Types Of Identity Theft
There are many different types of ways that identity theft can be performed. The most common way is through a data breach. A data breach occurs when a cybercriminal hacks into a company’s database and steals the personal information that it stores about their customers. The most popular industries being attacked are healthcare, retail, financial and the government. These types of data breaches are so popular because a cybercriminal can obtain massive amounts of personal information from hundreds to millions of people such as full names, social security numbers, health insurance information and more in one fell swoop.
There are smaller scale scams that aim to steal an individual’s personal information as well. Phishing is the most popular way to try to trick users into divulging sensitive information. Either by tricking you into providing it yourself, or by tricking you to install malware that automatically steals data from your computer.
How To Report Identity Theft
If you become an unfortunate victim of identity theft, there are many ways to report it. You can start by going to the Federal Trade Commission’s website. You can fill out the FTC online complaint form to start the process.
How To Prevent Identity Theft
Prevention is the best measure you can take for protection against this threat. You can help prevent identity theft by educating yourself. Explore the articles below to read all about the signs of ID theft, the tactics used by cybercriminals, and even learn how to monitor your credit.
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How to repair your credit score after identity theftRead More
Identity theft can wreak havoc on your credit score. Find out how to safeguard your financial reputation and repair your credit after identity theft.
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What is a credit report and how can it impact your financial health?Read More
Do you know what information is included in your credit report? Find out how it can impact your likelihood of being approved for credit.
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5 easy steps to help prevent identity theft in the UKRead More
The fallout from identity theft can be devastating, so prevention is better than cure. Here are 5 tips to help protect yourself against identity theft
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Get informed on dark web monitoring and identity theft.Read More
Identity theft often starts on the dark web, where personal information is easy to buy and sell. Find out how to keep your information safer.
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Know the signs: How to tell if your identity is stolenRead More
Identity theft happens when your data or personal information is taken without your knowledge. Know the signs to keep your identity safe
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5 examples of identity theft and how to try to avoid themRead More
Check out these real-life identity theft examples and ways to try to avoid them if you take the right precautions.
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6 steps to take if you think your identity has been stolenRead More
If you're a victim of identity theft, you should act as soon as possible. Follow these 6 steps if you think your data has been compromised.
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How to find a trusted identity theft solution in the UKRead More
In this digital age, it's easy to have your identity stolen. Ensure you're prepared with a trusted identity theft solution in the UK.
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Warning signs of identity theft and 5 tips to help protect yourselfRead More
Find out what identity theft is, why it’s a danger for you, and what you can do to help protect yourself.
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15 signs that your identity has been stolenRead More
If you notice bank statements are missing or unusual activity, it might be a sign of identity theft. Learn the signs to help keep your data safe.
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Identity theft: What is it and how to avoid itRead More
Most people’s approach to passwords is just one huge security lapse. Here are a few ways that an easy password can lead to identity theft, plus a definition of "easy password."
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Identity theft: Five tips to help protect your identityRead More
Find out how neuroscience helps cybercriminals earn money and what simple things you can do to protect yourself.
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Ten ways to keep your data privateRead More
The Internet has blurred the lines between real world and the virtual one. Technology is barreling into our hands through smartphones at an unbelievable pace.
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What personal information should you safeguard?Read More
Some 10 million identity thefts happen in the United States every year. Taking extra steps to protect your personal information—and knowing what information you need to safeguard—is the best way to prevent identity theft from happening to you.
