Identity theft does not feel like a break-in. There is no smashed window — just a credit card you never opened, or a tax refund already claimed in your name. By the time you notice, the damage is done. Our GetMyPassword team explains how to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if it happens.
What identity theft is
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to act as you — opening credit cards or loans, filing taxes, or taking over your existing accounts. The raw material is your data: your identity numbers, date of birth, card details and logins. The more of it a thief can gather, the more convincingly they can pretend to be you.
How to protect yourself
- Guard your key numbers — your identity and card numbers — and shred documents that show them.
- Use a unique password and two-factor authentication on every important account, especially email and banking.
- Freeze your credit so no one can open new accounts in your name without your say-so.
- Watch your statements and credit reports, and take breach notices seriously.
- Be wary of phishing calls, texts and emails fishing for your personal details.
What to do if it happens
Act quickly to limit the damage. Freeze your credit and contact the affected banks or providers, change the passwords on compromised accounts and any that shared them, and report the theft to the relevant authority in your country so you have an official record. The faster you move, the less a thief can do with what they have.
Identity theft runs on information, so every detail you keep private is a door you keep shut. Strong unique passwords and a frozen credit file take the easiest paths away from a thief.
Strong accounts are the foundation
Most identity theft starts with a broken-into account or a reused password, so that is where protection starts too. Give every account a unique password from our password generator, turn on two-factor authentication, and treat your email as the crown jewels — it is the key that resets everything else. Make your data hard to gather, and you make yourself a poor target.
Frequently asked questions
What is identity theft?
It is when someone uses your personal information — identity numbers, date of birth, card details or logins — to act as you, such as opening credit, filing taxes or taking over your accounts. It runs on the data a thief can gather about you.
How can I protect myself from identity theft?
Guard your identity and card numbers, use unique passwords and two-factor authentication, freeze your credit, monitor statements and credit reports, take breach notices seriously, and stay alert to phishing that fishes for personal details.
What should I do if my identity is stolen?
Freeze your credit, contact the affected banks or providers, change the passwords on compromised and related accounts, and report the theft to the relevant authority in your country so you have an official record. Act as quickly as possible.