How can I protect myself from identity theft?

Identity theft is a serious crime that can affect individuals in Virginia. To protect yourself from identity theft, follow these steps: 1. Monitor your credit reports. Request a credit report from all three major credit bureaus at least once a year. This will help you catch any illegal activity and allow you to take action. 2. Secure your personal information. Keep your Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and other important information private. Make sure to update your passwords regularly and be careful when giving out private information online or to strangers. 3. Be careful what you click on. Be careful when you browse the Internet and be sure not to click on any suspicious links or downloads. Delete emails from unknown senders and never open attachments from them. 4. Check your bills. Monitor your financial accounts and credit card statements. Make sure that the charges reflected on your bills are the ones you made. 5. Put a security freeze on your credit. By placing a security freeze on your credit, you are preventing anyone from opening new accounts in your name. By following these precautions, you can help protect yourself from identity theft. Remember to be vigilant and to keep your personal information safe.

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