There are many steps you can take to minimize the risk of being an identity theft victim. For example:
- Closely guard your social security number.
- Shred card receipts, copies of credit applications and other sensitive documents.
- Review your bills and credit reports regularly and look for signs that indicate your identity may have been stolen.
For the most recent information on how to protect yourself from Identity Theft, please see the FTC’s Identity Theft page.
The FTC has been the chief federal agency on privacy policy and enforcement since the 1970s. Since then, rapid changes in technology have raised new privacy challenges, but the FTC’s overall approach has been consistent: The agency uses law enforcement, policy initiatives, and consumer and business education to protect consumers’ personal information and ensure that they have the confidence to take advantage of the many benefits of the ever-changing marketplace. This information can be found by clicking here.