PHOENIX — On the first day of Identity Theft Awareness Week, Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a reminder to Arizonans to take proactive steps to protect their personal and financial information from identity theft.
“Identity theft can happen to anyone,” said Mayes. “Safeguarding sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank PINs, and online passwords is essential. My office is here to assist if you or your loved ones fall victim to fraud.”
Identity theft occurs when someone uses personal information, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or credit card details, to commit fraud. These crimes can include opening unauthorized credit accounts, stealing tax refunds, or filing false health insurance claims.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
- Unfamiliar charges on your bills
- Unexpected changes in your bank account
- Bills for accounts you didn’t open or letters from unknown employers
- New accounts or inaccuracies on your credit report
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Secure important documents: Store sensitive items like your birth certificate and Social Security card safely and shred personal documents before discarding them.
- Be cautious with your Social Security number: Avoid sharing it with unknown or unexpected contacts.
- Enhance online security: Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid public networks for sensitive transactions, and scrutinize unexpected text messages.
During Identity Theft Awareness Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will host webinars and provide resources to help individuals prevent identity theft. Suspected cases can be reported to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or in Spanish at RobodeIdentidad.gov.
If you believe you are a victim of consumer fraud, you can file a complaint through the Attorney General’s website or by contacting the office:
- Phoenix: (602) 542-5763
- Tucson: (520) 628-6648
- Outside metro areas: (800) 352-8431
Taking these precautions can reduce your risk and ensure your personal information stays secure.