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Identity Theft Awareness Week begins next week, highlighting the importance of protecting personal information. Identity theft can take many forms, from opening fraudulent accounts and using stolen details to obtain loans, to filing fake tax returns. With such risks, protecting personal data is a shared responsibility. Key steps to protect against identity theft include securing social security numbers, being cautious with social media, using multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regularly reviewing financial and credit reports. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering events and resources to help individuals and communities stay informed and protected against identity theft.
This year, Identity Theft Awareness Week is 27-31 January. Because security is everyone’s responsibility, there is a lot that you can do to protect your personal information from identity thieves this week — and all year long.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person’s private identifying information, usually for financial gain. Identity theft can happen to anyone and can take many forms. Bad actors could open a credit card or utility account in someone else’s name, or use that information to get a loan, a job, or medical care. They might even file taxes in someone else’s name to get a refund.
Here’s What You Can Do:
- Protect your Social Security number
- Fight “phishing” — don’t take the bait
- Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
- Exercise caution on social media sites
- Use security software on your PC and mobile devices
- Review your financial and other statements regularly
- Regularly inspect your credit report
- Stop pre-approved credit offers
Here’s How to Get Involved
- Visit the Identity Theft Awareness Week 2025 website and learn more about scheduled events you can participate in.
- Get information in multiple languages about how to spot, avoid, and report identity theft at ftc.gov/languages and share it in your community.
- Watch and share videos on social media in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.
- Share images before and during Identity Theft Awareness Week on your social media to help gather support and attention.
- Order publications, including bookmarks and one-page flyers, and share them with people you know or place them at places of worship and libraries where people can find them.
What to Do if You are Scammed:
- If you feel an email contains a scam, don’t respond. Block the sender.
- If it’s a phone call – hang up!
- If you provide your personal information (account, date of birth, online banking user ID, password, etc.) contact your financial institution immediately.
- Verify then trust the source.
If You’re a Victim?
Immediately change any passwords you might have revealed. Consider reporting the attack to IC3.gov and the police, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting Help
If you identify suspicious activity involving your financial institution, contact them immediately.
Portions of this article were provided by the FS-ISAC Security Tip Newsletter.
