FILE – Web pages used to display information to collect unemployment insurance in Virginia, right, and to report fraud and identity theft in Pennsylvania, are displayed on the respective state web pages, Feb. 26, 2021. , in Zelienople, Pennsylvania.
Photo: AP
More than 200,000 identity theft complaints were received by the authorities in 2022, a crime that anyone can be a victim of and to prevent it, various events will take place from January 30 to February 3.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is asking people who participate in Identity Theft Awareness Week 2023 to get information to help them prevent becoming a victim of this crime.
The FTC has collaborated with various organizations to offer free events such as podcasts, webinars, Facebook Live interviews, and others focused on top identity theft scams and how to avoid them.
“We will have information for everyone and additional tips for service members, seniors, young adults and business owners,” he explained.
Events include a Facebook Live from AARP and FTC for tips on how to protect yourself and your family from identity theft and what to do if you spot signs of identity theft.
The Hispanic Federation and the FTC will offer practical advice in Spanish to help you protect your personal data and minimize the risks of being hit by identity theft, in a Facebook Live
People can view the schedule of all activities at ftc.gov/idtheftweek.
Identity theft is linked to credit card fraud, bank fraud, and tax filing fraud, among other frauds.
A total of 260,764 identity theft reports received by the FTC And of these, 107,630 were related to credit cards, 76,804 to other fraud, 34,155 to bank fraud, and 9,955 to taxes, according to figures as of September 30, 2022.
How thieves could use your information
An identity thief could use your information to obtain credit or a service under your name, and the FTC suggests these steps to detect it:
▪ Get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review it to see if you spot accounts you didn’t open or if there are any inquiries you don’t recognize. A new credit card, personal or car loan will appear as new accounts. A new cell phone plan or utility like water, gas, or electricity will be listed as an inquiry.
▪ Review your credit card or bank account statement as soon as you receive it. See if there are purchases or withdrawals that you did not make.
▪ Sign up to receive text or email alerts from your credit card company or bank every time you make a transaction. This may help you detect unauthorized or fraudulent activity on your account.
▪ An indication of tax-related identity theft could be a notice sent by the IRS informing you that more than one tax return was filed under your name. And the same if you receive a notice informing you that you register income from an employer you do not know.
If you find that it tells you someone is misusing your personal information, find out what to do at IdentityTheft.gov.
Journalist and editor specializing in Latin America, judicial, business and local issues related to the Latin American community. Much of her career was spent in international news agencies. Her investigative work “Emigrating to Death: Murdered Venezuelans in Latin America” received the 2019 FSNE and SPJ Sunshine State awards.
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