Identity Theft/Credit Card Fraud
What Is Identity Theft?
If you’ve never experienced identity theft, you might be wondering what it actually is. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information—such as your name, birth date, Social Security number, or other identifying details—without your permission, usually for financial gain.
If you suspect that you’ve become a victim of identity theft or credit card fraud, it's important to act quickly. File a report with the police department in the jurisdiction where the crime took place. Before contacting law enforcement, be sure to complete an Affidavit of Fraud and bring it with you, or have it ready when speaking with an officer.
If you’ve never experienced identity theft, you might be wondering what it actually is. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information—such as your name, birth date, Social Security number, or other identifying details—without your permission, usually for financial gain.
If you suspect that you’ve become a victim of identity theft or credit card fraud, it's important to act quickly. File a report with the police department in the jurisdiction where the crime took place. Before contacting law enforcement, be sure to complete an Affidavit of Fraud and bring it with you, or have it ready when speaking with an officer.
How to Protect Yourself
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent identity theft entirely, you can reduce your risk. Here are some practical steps to help protect your identity:
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent identity theft entirely, you can reduce your risk. Here are some practical steps to help protect your identity:
- Never give out your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary
- Regularly check your credit report for suspicious activity
- Review your credit card statements for unauthorized charges
- Shred documents containing personal information before discarding them
- Avoid carrying unnecessary credit cards or personal checks
- Don’t print your Social Security number on checks
- Never give your credit card number to people you don’t know
- Only share personal details over the phone if you initiated the call
- Use a unique security question—not your mother’s maiden name—for account protection
- Treat your identity as you would any valuable asset
The Real Impact of Identity Theft
The unfortunate truth is that many victims don’t realize they’ve been targeted until significant damage has already been done. Criminals can empty your bank account, rack up massive credit card debt, or take out loans in your name—all without your knowledge. Often, victims only discover the crime after receiving a hefty bill or being contacted by a collection agency.
While you typically aren’t held financially responsible for the fraud, the process of repairing your credit can take months or even years.
The unfortunate truth is that many victims don’t realize they’ve been targeted until significant damage has already been done. Criminals can empty your bank account, rack up massive credit card debt, or take out loans in your name—all without your knowledge. Often, victims only discover the crime after receiving a hefty bill or being contacted by a collection agency.
While you typically aren’t held financially responsible for the fraud, the process of repairing your credit can take months or even years.
Don't Think It Can't Happen to You
Many people believe identity theft only happens to others—until it happens to them. Victims have lost jobs, faced ruined credit, and in some cases, even been wrongfully associated with criminal activity.
Don’t wait until it's too late. Protect your personal information and take proactive steps to safeguard your identity.
Many people believe identity theft only happens to others—until it happens to them. Victims have lost jobs, faced ruined credit, and in some cases, even been wrongfully associated with criminal activity.
Don’t wait until it's too late. Protect your personal information and take proactive steps to safeguard your identity.
Identity Theft Reporting Information Systems (IRIS)
IRIS is a website operated by the Utah State Attorney General's Office and provides online ID theft reporting, scam and data breach notifications, and allows businesses and law enforcement to validate ID theft victims.
IRIS is a website operated by the Utah State Attorney General's Office and provides online ID theft reporting, scam and data breach notifications, and allows businesses and law enforcement to validate ID theft victims.
