Identity Theft

One of the main motives of cybersecurity attacks is identity theft. Identity theft is the deliberate use of someone else’s identity, usually to use credit.

Phishing emails are commonly used to scam account information or install malware that sends information from your device. Be careful what links you click on.

Identity theft doesn’t just happen online. Discarded bank statements, bills, receipts, and old hard drives are also used by identity thieves.

If you think you have been a victim of identity theft, take action immediately. Contact any credit card issuers and financial institutions with whom you have an account to temporarily freeze all transactions. Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to have them flag your file with a fraud alert. This will require any credit grantor to verify your permission before taking action in your name.

Federal Trade Commission - Recover From Identity Theft

Sallie Mae - What should I do if my identity has been stolen?

• The MISUSED website is a resource created by the U.S. Department of Education as a resource for college students to learn about identity theft. You can learn about how scholastic identity theft occurs, how to reduce your risk, and what you should do if you discover you're a victim.
• Phishing - One of the most common online methods for identity theft.