This is Identity Theft Awareness Week. This is a great time to learn how to safeguard your personal information and share tips with family and friends.

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to open accounts, file fake health insurance claims, or even steal your tax refund. It can quickly turn into a financial nightmare that disrupts lives.

Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone—but there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk.

The 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗙𝗧𝗖) is offering a 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞y this week to help you prevent identity theft: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events/2026/01/help-protect-yourself-older-adults-your-life-identity-theft. They also provide links for reporting and additional resources here: https://buff.ly/3HDpNte

If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, please call your local police 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.