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Your full Social Security number, PIN, password, one-time passcodes, or any sensitive information via phone, text, or email. If you think you may have shared this information by mistake, please contact us.
Report Internet Crime
If you are a victim of an internet crime, contact us immediately. Then, report the crime to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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If you suspect fraud, contact us immediately.
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Use our Fraud Protection Guide to learn how to identify scams and protect your personal information.
Phishing
Phishing is an internet scam where email spam or pop-up messages are used to deceive you into divulging personal or financial information.
Phishers send emails or pop-up messages that appear to be from a company you deal with—your credit union, credit card company, or a government agency. The message usually requests that you update or validate account information and directs you to a website that looks legitimate but isn't. The purpose is to steal your identity and commit crimes in your name.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Don't click on links in emails that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies don't ask for personal information via email.
- Never open unexpected attachments.
- Don't cut and paste links from messages into your browser—phishers can make links look legitimate but send you elsewhere.
- Delete suspicious messages, even if you know the source.
- Look for misspellings, generic greetings, and urgent language—these are red flags.
91% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email
Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Vishing is a scam where criminals persuade victims to hand over personal details or transfer money over the telephone.
Scammers may use "spoofing" technology to make their phone number appear to be from a company you trust. They may already have some of your personal information that you would expect a genuine caller to have, making the call seem more legitimate.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never give your personal information over the phone to an incoming caller.
- If a call seems suspicious, hang up and call the company directly using a number you find on their official website or your statement.
- Beware of callers creating urgency or threatening consequences.
- Register your phone number at donotcall.gov.
Phone scams cost Americans $39.5 billion in 2022
Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Smishing uses text messages or SMS to persuade victims to provide personal or financial information.
These texts may contain URLs or automated voice response systems designed to collect your information. Common smishing scams include fake delivery notifications, bank alerts, and prize notifications.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never click links in text messages from unknown senders.
- Don't provide personal information via text message.
- Delete unsolicited text messages immediately.
- If you receive an alert about your account, log in directly through the official app or website—never through a text link.
- Report suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM).
Smishing attacks increased 328% in 2023
Government Imposter Scams
Scammers pretend to be government officials to trick you into sending money or providing personal information.
They may promise lottery winnings if you pay "taxes" or fees, or threaten arrest, lawsuits, or jail if you don't pay supposed debts. These scammers use various tricks and may even have your name, address, and Social Security number.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never wire money to someone claiming to be from the government.
- Don't pay for a prize—real prizes don't require payment.
- Don't confirm personal information to callers claiming to be government officials.
- If in doubt, hang up and contact the agency directly using official contact information.
IRS imposter scams are the #1 government imposter fraud
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information—Social Security number, date of birth, address, and financial account numbers—and uses it to commit fraud.
Prevention Tips:
- Don't share financial account info or Social Security numbers unless you verify the requestor's identity.
- Store personal information safely and shred old statements and credit card offers.
- Create complex PINs and passwords—change them if a company has a data breach.
- Limit ID you carry—leave your Social Security card at home.
- Watch for "shoulder surfers" at ATMs and checkout terminals.
- Review your credit report annually at annualcreditreport.com to be certain that it doesn't include accounts that you have not opened.
- Opt out of pre-approved offers at optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688.
If You're a Victim:
- Contact companies where fraud occurred and freeze/close accounts.
- Change logins, passwords, and PINs for your accounts.
- Place a fraud alert with one of three credit bureaus (they'll notify the others):
- Equifax: 800-525-6285
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 800-680-7289
- Report to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or 1-877-438-4338.
- File a police report with your local department. If you choose to file a report, go to your local police office with:
- A copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report
- A government-issued ID with a photo
- Proof of your address (mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utilities bill)
- Any other proof you have of the theft—bills, IRS notices, etc.
Data Breach
A data breach occurs when your information is stolen or accidentally left vulnerable, enabling thieves to steal your identity.
Breaches can result from computer hacking, viruses, physical theft of documents or equipment, or accidents like emailing information to the wrong address. Companies are required to notify you once they discover a breach.
What to Do Based on What Was Stolen:
Password
Change the password immediately on the breached account and any other accounts using the same password.
Email Address
Watch your inbox for suspicious messages. Verify any requests from companies by calling them directly.
Credit Card Number
Contact your financial institution immediately to report the risk and request a new card with a new number.
Social Security Number
Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert. An alert lets lenders know to take extra care verifying information before issuing credit.
Internet Crime & Online Security
The internet provides scammers, hackers, and identity thieves opportunities to steal your personal information and money.
Online Security Best Practices:
- Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software with a firewall—update regularly.
- Back up your files regularly.
- Verify secure websites (look for "https" and the padlock icon).
- Never give your Social Security number or credit card via email.
- Don't respond to spam emails or download suspicious files.
- Research companies before clicking on ads—search for reviews or complaints.
Password Security:
- Create passwords at least 12 characters long with letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
- Use a password manager to store passwords securely.
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Never share passwords via phone, text, or email.
Emerging Scams & New Threats
Scammers constantly evolve their tactics. Stay informed about the latest threats to protect yourself.
AI-Powered Scams
Scammers use artificial intelligence to clone voices, create deepfake videos, and generate convincing phishing messages. AI can mimic a family member's voice in distress calls or create fake customer service representatives.
Protection: Establish a family code word. Always verify urgent requests through a separate channel.
QR Code Fraud (Quishing)
Criminals place fake QR codes over legitimate ones on parking meters, restaurant menus, and public spaces. Scanning leads to phishing sites or malware downloads.
Protection: Inspect QR codes for tampering. Type URLs directly instead of scanning when possible.
Payment App Scams
Scammers target Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App users with fake buyer/seller schemes, overpayment scams, and fraudulent payment requests. These transactions are often instant and irreversible.
Protection: Only send money to people you know and trust. Never send money to claim a prize.
Cryptocurrency Scams
Fake investment opportunities, romance scams demanding crypto payment, and crypto ATM scams where victims are instructed to deposit cash. Crypto payments are nearly impossible to recover.
Protection: Never pay in cryptocurrency to someone you've only met online. Legitimate businesses don't demand crypto.
Romance Scams
Scammers create fake dating profiles and build emotional relationships, eventually asking for money for emergencies, travel, or investments.
Protection: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Do reverse image searches on profile photos.
Employment Scams
Fake job postings, work-from-home schemes, and "reshipping" jobs that make you an unknowing accomplice to fraud. Scammers may request banking info for "direct deposit setup."
Protection: Research employers independently. Never pay for job supplies upfront or cash checks for employers.
Additional Resources
For more information about Identity Theft visit these trusted resources to help you stay informed and protected.