How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft: 8 Steps

The good news is that while identity theft is common, there are clear, proactive steps you can take to lower your risk. By adopting a few smart habits, you can make yourself a harder target for fraudsters and protect both your peace of mind and your finances.

In this article, we’ll walk through eight practical steps you can take to help prevent identity theft, what to do if you think it’s happening and how identity theft insurance can give you an added layer of protection.

Smart habits that can help prevent identity theft

1. Keep your wallet and mail secure

Your wallet and mailbox are part of your daily routine, but they’re also prime targets for identity thieves. Sometimes the simplest safeguards against ID theft are the most effective.

• Carry only what you need. Leave extra credit cards, membership IDs and documents at home in a secure place. If you don’t use it daily, it doesn’t need to be in your wallet.
• Never carry your Social Security card. It’s one of the most sensitive pieces of information you own. Keep it locked away unless absolutely necessary.
• Secure your mail. Collect it promptly each day, and consider installing a locking mailbox to prevent theft. If you’re going out of town, place a hold on your mail through the USPS.

2. Shred documents before throwing them away

Old bills and statements may seem harmless, but to an identity thief, they can be a gold mine. Digging through trash is a tactic thieves use to uncover personal information.

• Shred everything with personal information. This includes bank statements, medical bills, insurance documents and pre-approved credit card offers.
• Don’t recycle sensitive documents unless they’re unreadable. Even torn-up papers can be pieced back together.
• Store important records securely. If you need to keep documents, use a locked filling cabinet or a fireproof safe.

3. Use strong, unique passwords

Passwords are your first line of defense online. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for hackers to access multiple accounts.

• Create complex passwords. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using obvious choices like “123456” or “password.”
• Don’t reuse passwords. If one account is compromised, others could follow.
• Use a password manager. These tools generate and store strong passwords for each account, so you don’t have to remember them all.

4. Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.

• Enable 2FA wherever possible. Email, banking and shopping accounts often offer this feature.
• Choose app-based authentication. It’s more secure than text messages, which can be intercepted.
• Keep your recovery info up to date. Make sure your backup email and phone number are current so you can regain access if needed.

5. Protect your devices and home Wi-Fi

Your phone, computer and Wi-Fi network are gateways to your personal data, so securing them is essential.

• Keep software updated. Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities in your operating system, browsers and apps.
• Install antivirus and anti-malware tools. Choose reputable software and run regular scans to catch potential threats early.
• Secure your Wi-Fi. Use a strong password and change the default settings on your router. Consider hiding your network name from public view.

6. Check your credit reports often

Monitoring your credit is one of the best ways to catch identity theft early.

• Request free reports. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get reports from all three major credit bureaus.
• Look for red flags. Watch for unfamiliar accounts, incorrect personal information or sudden changes in your credit score.
• Place a fraud alert if needed. If you spot something suspicious, contact one of the bureaus to add a fraud alert to your file.

7. Be cautious with emails and links

Phishing emails remain one of the most common tricks scammers use to steal your information.

• Don’t click on suspicious links. An email may look like it’s from your bank or a friend, but clicking on a malicious link can expose your personal information. If an email looks off, trust your instincts.
• Watch for warning signs. Typos, urgent language and unfamiliar email addresses are red flags.
• Verify requests. If someone asks for sensitive info, contact the company directly using a known phone number or website.

8. Limit what you share online

Social media makes it easy to share updates about your life, but oversharing can give identity thieves the details they need to impersonate you.

• Avoid posting personal details. Your full birthdate, home address and high school name can be used to answer security questions.
• Check your privacy settings. Make sure only people you trust can see your posts.
• Think before you share. Even seemingly harmless posts can reveal more than you intend.

To learn other ways to protect yourself and discover your identity theft risk score, visit Amica’s comprehensive identity theft information resource center.