Understanding Identity Theft
Learn what identity theft is, how criminals use stolen information, warning signs to watch for, and steps to prevent it.
Lesson content
Summary
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without permission.
They may open loans, open credit cards, receive medical care, file tax returns, or access bank accounts.
Warning Signs
- Bills you do not recognize
- Credit cards you never opened
- Collection notices
- Missing mail
- Unexpected bank withdrawals
Prevention
Monitor these regularly:
- Bank accounts
- Credit reports
- Medicare statements
Step-by-step actions
- Check your bank and credit card statements every month.
- Review your free annual credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Compare Medicare Summary Notices with your own health care records.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to your bank and credit bureaus.
- Call Hawaii Senior Medicare Patrol at (808) 586-7281 for Medicare concerns.
Related lessons
Keep learning with these related topics.
What To Do If You Think You Are Being Scammed
Learn the five steps to take when you suspect a scam — stop communicating, do not send money, verify, talk to someone you trust, and report it.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Learn which personal information scammers value most and the best practices for keeping your Social Security number, Medicare number, and financial details safe.
Recovery After Identity Theft
Learn the five steps to recover after identity theft — fraud alerts, credit freezes, FTC reporting, police reports, and ongoing monitoring.
Medicare and Healthcare Fraud
Learn about common Medicare fraud schemes — genetic testing scams, equipment billing fraud, upcoding, and medical identity theft — and how to protect yourself in Hawaii.