Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Protect yourself by securing your personal information, understanding the threat of identity theft, and exercising caution.

Here are 10 things you can start doing now to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft: 

1. Protect your Social Security number by keeping your Social Security card in a safe place at home.
2. Be careful when you speak with unknown callers.
3. Create strong, unique passwords so others can’t easily access your accounts.
4. Never give your personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited call or message, and never post it on social media.
5. Shred paper documents that contain personal information, like your name, birth date, and Social Security number.
6. Protect your mobile device from unauthorized access by securing it with a PIN, adding a fingerprinting feature, or using facial recognition.
7. Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious transactions.
8. Avoid internet threats by installing and maintaining strong anti-virus software on all your devices—including your mobile device and personal computer. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to stay safe on public Wi-Fi.
9. Protect yourself on social media by customizing your security settings and deleting accounts you no longer use.
10. Never click on any link sent via unsolicited email or text message—type in the web address yourself. Only provide information on secure websites.

The Social Security Administration encourages you to create your own personal my Social Security account to track your earnings record. For more information, read Social Security Administration (SSA} publication, Protecting Personal Information. Contact SSA if you see suspicious work activity on your record–you could be a victim of identity theft.

For more information, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Ask students if they, their friends, or relatives have been a victim of an identity theft? If so, what was their experience?
• How often do you check your credit reports and why should you check your credit reports at least once a year?

Discussion Questions

1. What actions have you taken to protect your personal information from being stolen by scanners?
2. Why is it not advisable to carry your Social Security card in your wallet or your purse?