{"id":208584,"date":"2025-01-30T04:16:54","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T12:16:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=208584"},"modified":"2025-07-29T17:41:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T00:41:47","slug":"how-scammers-steal-your-identity-and-what-you-can-do-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-scammers-steal-your-identity-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How Scammers Steal Your Identity and What You Can Do About It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Identity theft is a growing concern, and Data Privacy Week serves as an important reminder to safeguard your personal information. In today\u2019s digital age, scammers have more tools than ever to steal your identity, often with just a few key details\u2014like your Social Security number, bank account information, or home address.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, identity theft claims have surged in recent years, jumping from approximately 650,000 in 2019 to over a million in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This trend underscores the urgent need for stronger personal data protection habits.<\/p>\n<p>So, how do scammers pull it off, and how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim?<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Do Scammers Steal Your Identity?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scammers are resourceful, and there are multiple ways they can access your personal information. The theft can happen both in the physical and digital realms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b>Identity Theft in the Physical World:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you lose your wallet or debit card, that\u2019s an immediate risk. But thieves also use other methods like rummaging through your trash or mail to access sensitive information. In rare cases, they may even file a change-of-address form in your name, redirecting your mail to a different address.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identity Theft in the Digital World<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,4],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Data breaches<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Hackers infiltrate businesses or government systems, stealing massive amounts of customer data.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,4],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Phishing attacks<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Fraudsters use deceptive emails, texts, or websites to trick you into entering sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,4],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Malware<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Scammers can infect your devices with malware that secretly harvests your data.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,4],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Public Wi-Fi risks<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks without a Virtual Private Network (VPN) makes it easier for hackers to intercept your online transactions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Signs Your Identity May Have Been Stolen<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When scammers steal your identity, they often leave behind a trail of unusual activity that you can detect. Here are some common signs that could indicate identity theft:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unexpected bills or new accounts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If you start receiving bills for accounts you didn\u2019t open, or if you see unfamiliar charges on your bank statements, it\u2019s time to investigate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Missing bills or statements<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If your regular bills or account statements stop showing up, it could mean your address has been changed without your knowledge.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fraudulent accounts or transactions<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Getting debt collection calls for accounts you never opened, or spotting unauthorized charges on your credit or bank statements, is a major red flag.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Denial of credit<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If you apply for a loan or a credit card and get denied for reasons you don\u2019t understand, it could be due to fraudulent activity under your name.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">IRS notifications<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If the IRS contacts you about tax returns filed in your name, it\u2019s possible someone has stolen your Social Security number to claim your refund.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Steps to Take If You Suspect Identity Theft<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, time is of the essence. Here\u2019s what you need to do:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Contact the companies involved<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Immediately report any suspicious transactions to your bank, credit card company, or any business where fraud has occurred. They can help you initiate an investigation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">File a police report<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Identity theft is a crime, and it\u2019s essential to report it to the authorities. Filing a police report can create an official record of the theft and help protect you if the thief commits other crimes under your name.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Contact the FTC<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: The Federal Trade Commission provides resources for victims of identity theft. You can file a report and get a recovery plan. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.identitytheft.gov\/\">The FTC\u2019s website is an invaluable resource for walking you through the recovery process.<\/a><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Place a fraud alert or credit freeze<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for thieves to open accounts in your name. You can also opt for a credit freeze, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report altogether.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dispute any inaccuracies<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Check your credit reports for any unfamiliar activity. Dispute any fraudulent accounts or charges with the relevant credit bureaus and businesses involved.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monitor your credit and accounts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Even after taking the above steps, it\u2019s crucial to keep an eye on your credit report and bank statements. The longer you monitor, the sooner you\u2019ll spot any other fraudulent activity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to Prevent Identity Theft<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While you can\u2019t completely eliminate the risk of identity theft, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use strong passwords<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Create unique passwords for each of your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Install security software<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Use comprehensive security software to protect your devices from malware and hackers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/identity-theft\/protection.html?path=blogs\">McAfee+<\/a>\u00a0offers enhanced protection against identity theft and provides real-time monitoring for any suspicious activity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/identity-theft\/family.html?path=blogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">McAfee+ Advanced and Ultimate plans<\/a> also come with full-service Personal Data Cleanup, which sends requests to remove your data automatically.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shred personal documents<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Shred bills, tax documents, and any sensitive paperwork before disposing of them. Scammers still use physical methods like &#8220;dumpster diving&#8221; to gather personal information.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be cautious online<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Be mindful of the information you share on social media. Avoid posting sensitive details like your birth date or mother&#8217;s maiden name, which could be used to guess your security questions.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regularly monitor your bank accounts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Regularly check your bank activity and credit report to ensure that no unauthorized activity has taken place. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.annualcreditreport.com\/index.action\">You\u2019re entitled to a free credit report annually<\/a> from the three major credit bureaus.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identity theft can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but by acting quickly and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can minimize the damage and reclaim your identity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Identity theft is a growing concern, and Data Privacy Week serves as an important reminder to safeguard your personal information&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1407,"featured_media":190996,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10661,13],"tags":[],"coauthors":[15735],"class_list":["post-208584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-internet-security","category-privacy-identity-protection"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Scammers Steal Your Identity and What You Can Do About It | McAfee Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Identity theft is a growing concern, and Data Privacy Week serves as an important reminder to safeguard your personal information. 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