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Dear Friend,
This week marks Identity Theft Awareness Week, an important reminder to stay vigilant and protect your personal information. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, like your Social Security number or credit card details, without your permission to open accounts, make purchases, or even commit crimes in your name.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are some warning signs that could point to identity theft, and steps you should take if you think you’ve been affected:
Signs of Identity Theft
- Unexplained financial activity, like unfamiliar withdrawals, rejected checks, or debt collectors calling about debts you don’t owe
- Mail and communication issues, such as missing bills or other mail, or a data breach notice at a company where you do business or have an account
- Credit and account discrepancies, such as unfamiliar charges on your credit report or IRS notices about tax returns or income you didn’t earn
- Medical and health insurance concerns, including unexpected medical bills or denied insurance claims due to incorrect records
What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Affected
If someone has already used your information to open an account or make a purchase, report it immediately at IdentityTheft.gov to begin the recovery process. Visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/Info-Lost-or-Stolen to learn what additional steps you should take based on what information was lost or exposed.
If you haven’t been affected but want to protect your information, consider monitoring your credit using free reports and services to catch any unusual activity. You may also want to place a credit freeze, which prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
What I’m Doing in Congress to Help Prevent Identity Fraud
In our increasingly digital economy, it’s essential that our nation ramps up safeguards to help protect against identity theft and fraud. Fortunately, several states across the country, including Illinois, are rolling out Digital Driver’s Licenses (sometimes called Digital or Mobile IDs) that allow citizens to digitally prove that they are who they say they are, online or offline.
Pursuing a secure, privacy-preserving Digital ID has been a priority of mine in Congress for years. My Improving Digital Identity Act would improve government coordination in the widespread adoption of secure Digital IDs, which is an essential step in helping to curb identity fraud and theft.
As I continue working to improve our digital identity infrastructure, it’s also important to stay proactive about protecting your own identity. This week and throughout the year, take steps to safeguard your personal information. Visit the FTC's identity theft resource center for more tips and guidance on how to protect yourself.
Sincerely,
Bill Foster
Member of Congress
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