Free Webinar: Fraud on the Line—Phone & Text Scams, May 18, 3 PM ET

Content starts here

5 Ways To Avoid Identity Theft

AARP

Updated April 07, 2026

Scammers are out there – always looking for new ways to steak your personal information and your money. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Report, identity theft is the top scam in Tennessee, and our state ranks 21^st in the country in fraud losses, which topped $157 million in 2024.

So, what can we do to protect ourselves?

1. Shred It!

Stay one step ahead of identity thieves by finding a free shredding event in your community. You can bring documents with your personal info (financial statements, bills, shipping receipts) and have them destroyed safely and securely.

2. Reduce your paper trail

To protect your personal and financial information, take proactive steps.
Set up online access to your bank and credit card accounts and monitor them regularly for suspicious activity. If you spot anything unusual, contact your bank or card provider immediately.
Opt for paperless billing and statements to keep sensitive info out of your mailbox.
Keep your Social Security card in a secure place at home and only carry it when necessary. Lastly, never leave personal information in your car, even if locked. These steps help safeguard against identity theft and protect your privacy.

3. Strengthen security

To enhance your online security, start by using unique passwords for each account — 65% of Americans don’t, leaving multiple accounts vulnerable if one is compromised.
Enable multifactor authentication for added protection, as relying solely on one-time passcodes is no longer enough.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often insecure and easy targets for hackers.
Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails, as they could be phishing attempts, and never answer calls from unrecognized numbers.
Finally, use a PIN or passcode to lock laptops, tablets, and smartphones; this adds a layer of protection if your device is lost or stolen. These steps can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and data breaches.

4. Protect your privacy

5. Monitor your data

Check your credit reports monthly to stay on top of any potential issues. You can access reports from all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—through the free site AnnualCreditReport.com. This helps you monitor your credit and catch any discrepancies early.

Report the crime – if you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately. If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Here’s what to do:

Contact the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 877-438-4338. Online identity theft can also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, IC3.gov.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network has a toll-free helpline (877-908-3360), where trained volunteers provide victims and family members with support and guidance on next steps.
The ITRC offers information on ways to prevent ID theft and how victims can recover their identities.