It's Time for Identity Theft Protection!

This year, Identity Theft Awareness Week is January 27-31. Because security is everyone’s responsibility, there is a lot that you can do to protect your personal information from identity thieves this week — and all year long.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person's private identifying information, usually for financial gain.

Identity theft can happen to anyone and can take many forms. Bad actors could open a credit card or utility account in someone else's name, or use that information to get a loan, a job, or medical care. They might even file taxes in someone else’s name to get a refund.

Here's What You Can Do

Here are some leading practices to keep your identity safe:

• Protect your Social Security number
• Fight "phishing" — don't take the bait
• Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication 
• Exercise caution on social media sites
• Use security software on your PC and mobile devices
• Review your financial and other statements regularly
• Regularly inspect your credit report
• Stop pre-approved credit offers 

Here's How to Get Involved

Here are some ways you can participate in and support your community during Identity Theft Awareness Week:

• Visit the Identity Theft Awareness Week 2025 website and learn more about scheduled events you can participate in.
• Get information in multiple languages about how to spot, avoid, and report identity theft at ftc.gov/languages and share it in your community.
• Watch and share videos on social media in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.
• Share images before and during Identity Theft Awareness Week on your social media to help gather support and attention.
• Order publications, including bookmarks and one-page flyers, and share them with people you know or place them at places of worship and libraries where people can find them.
• Look for updates about Identity Theft Awareness Week events!

Whether you are chatting with friends and family, posting on social media, or speaking at a community group meeting, talking about identity theft can help protect you and your community.

What to Do if You are Scammed 

• If you feel an email contains a scam, don’t respond. Block the sender.
• If it’s a phone call – hang up! 
• If you provide your personal information (account, date of birth, online banking user ID, password, etc.) contact your financial institution immediately.

If You're a Victim?

Immediately change any passwords you might have revealed. Consider reporting the attack to IC3.gov and the police, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

Getting Help

If you identify suspicious activity involving your financial institution, contact them immediately.

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Reprinted with permission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Citizens State Bank and its affiliates, and Citizens State Bank is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any information contained in this article or items hyperlinked within. This is for informational purposes and is no way intended to provide legal advice.