Protecting yourself from data breaches, identity theft, and even physical threats to you and your loved ones has never been more important. While eliminating these risks entirely is impossible, this website provides practical steps to significantly reduce your chances of becoming the next victim. Follow the guidance in each category below to safeguard yourself and others.
Incorrect information on your credit report and accounts you did not open
Mail stops coming to, or is missing from, your mailbox
Immediate Steps to Take
Block the Perpetrator: if you’ve opened a suspicious email or think you’ve been the target of a scam, cease all contact. Write down any information about the potential scammer and block their email address or phone number.
Communicate: immediately reach out through proper channels. Depending on the circumstances, contact the credit card issuer, bank, or app involved with the fraudulent activity.
Gather Evidence: collect important information, including screenshots of conversations with the scammers and change your passwords associated with the accounts used in the scam.
Identity Theft
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and to create a customized plan on what steps to take to recover.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Use the FBI's Internet Crime Complain Center, also called IC3, if you believe you are the victim of an Internet crime or if you want to file on behalf of another person you believe has been a victim. Read more
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for an issue that you are unable to resolve with a financial institution. This could be an issue with your checking account, credit card, mortgage, student loans, or auto loans to name a few. In most cases you will receive a response within 15 days.
Unemployment Fraud
Contact your state’s Department of Labor (view the fraud reporting offices by state) if you become a victim of unemployment fraud. Read more