Tips to think about during Identity Theft Awareness Week

(WAND) — Identity Theft Awareness Week runs Jan. 26 to 30, and Comptroller Susana Mendoza is advising consumers on ways to protect themselves.

"Losing your identity or having it stolen by an identity thief is so serious. It is not just a temporary inconvenience; it really can truly cause serious problems." Mendoza said.

How do you know if you’re a victim of ID theft?

Purchases that you didn’t make show up on your debit or credit card statements.
You receive bills for items you didn’t buy.
You are denied a loan because your credit is unexpectedly bad.
You find accounts in your name that you didn’t open.
Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name.

How can you protect yourself from identity theft?

Keep a close eye on bank accounts and credit card activity.
Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication if possible.
Try to avoid sharing full birth dates, email addresses and family members' full names on social media.
Carry only the ID and credit cards you need and don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
Shred documents with personal information before discarding.
Be wary of a company or person contacting you via email, phone, or text and asking for personal information unless you frequently do business with them.
Check your credit history at least once a year. Comptroller Mendoza suggests going through either Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
Also, make sure you protect your children’s personal information, including their Social Security numbers.

What should you do if you think your identity has been stolen?

Call the company or bank where you suspect the fraud occurred.
Call the Illinois Attorney General’s Identity Theft Hotline which guides victims through the recovery process. The number is: 1-866-999-5630.
Or you can report identity theft to the FTC, which will also help create a recovery plan.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
Consider filing a police report with your local department.

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