Personal Finance / Unit 9: Consumer Skills and Protection
9.5 Identity Theft
Notes
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information (name, Social Security number, account numbers) without permission.
- Protect it: keep your Social Security number private, use strong unique passwords, shred sensitive papers, and be careful on public Wi-Fi.
- Warning signs: unknown charges, bills for accounts you never opened, or credit report entries you do not recognize.
- Check bank statements and credit reports often.
- A credit freeze blocks new accounts from being opened in your name.
- If your identity is stolen: contact your bank, report it to the authorities, place a fraud alert or freeze, and keep records.
Practice
Which is a warning sign of identity theft?
Unknown accounts suggest someone used your information.
What does a credit freeze do?
A freeze blocks access to your credit report for new accounts.
Which habit best protects your personal information?
Limit exposure of sensitive information.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 9 test.