People across the globe are experiencing a relentless barrage of attacks impacting their personal privacy and security. If you have never received a notice in the mail stating that your personal information has been compromised, consider yourself one of the lucky few. Protecting against data breaches, identity theft, and even physical threats against you or your family should be a top priority for everyone. While no one can completely escape these threats, this web site puts forth steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of them happening to you. Sorted by category, the content below is routinely updated so check back often. It's a dangerous world out there, follow these steps and don't become the next victim!

 

Recover from an Incident

 

Signs of Identity Theft

  • Bills for items you did not buy
  • Collection calls for debt you do not owe
  • 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