Detecting identity theft is a crucial step to take in ensuring that you don't become a victim.
Identity thieves can obtain your personal information via data breaches, phishing attacks, malware, and much more.
Identity theft is on the rise, with reported claims jumping from 650,000 to 1 million between 2019 and 2023.
Some signs of identity theft include receiving mail for accounts you didn't open, authentication messages for accounts you don't recognize, and unauthorized transactions on your bank or credit card statements.
If you suspect that you're a victim of identity theft, you need to notify the companies and institutions involved, file a police report, contact the Federal Trade Commission, and place a fraud alert.
Additionally, if you receive a notice from the IRS about identity theft, you should follow the information provided within the notice and file an identity theft affidavit with the IRS.
To prevent identity theft, use online protection software, such as McAfee+ Ultimate, which can monitor your credit activity, scan the dark web for breaches, and much more.
Once identified, it's important to remain calm and organized to build up a case file for restoring your identity.
Vigilance is the best defense against identity theft, which is why consistent monitoring of your credit reports and accounts is essential.