Incidents of Identity Theft As per the Federal Trade Commission, in 2023, over 1,700 residents of Maine reported incidents of identity theft. This marks a substantial uptick of almost 25 percent compared to the figures recorded in 2022. Common Identity Theft Techniques: Credit Fraud:Description: Occurs when a perpetrator utilizes your personal details, such as birthdate and Social Security number, to apply for a new credit line. Tax Identity Fraud:Description: Fraudsters exploit your Social Security number to file a tax return, aiming to hijack your tax refund or tax credit. Hacking:Description: Criminals gain access to your personal information through data breaches of businesses, credit card companies, and medical offices. Imposter Scam:Description: Perpetrators masquerade as genuine organizations through phone calls, emails, or text messages to gain trust and coax individuals into divulging personal information. Stealing Mail/Documents:Description: Identity thieves’ resort to traditional methods like pilfering documents from your mail or trash, showcasing a resurgence of offline identity theft techniques. Shred your documents! Preventing Identity Theft: To safeguard yourself from these methods, consider implementing the following preventive measures: Regularly monitor your financial accounts. Secure personal information in a safe place. Be cautious about sharing sensitive details, especially online. Shred sensitive documents before discarding. Stay updated on data breach notifications from businesses you engage with. Consider identity theft protection services. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft.