Massachusetts Faces Surge in Identity Theft Incidents
CHICOPEE, Mass. (Based on original reporting by WWLP) – As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is urging consumers to be vigilant against identity theft, a crime that is unfortunately on the rise in Massachusetts. This week-long awareness campaign is designed to educate individuals about their rights and the various scams and schemes they might encounter. Understanding and preventing identity theft is a central focus.
Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully uses your personal information without your consent. This sensitive information can be anything from your name, address, and financial account details to your Social Security number and insurance account numbers. This misuse can range from unauthorized credit card charges to opening new accounts or even obtaining medical care under your name.
The FTC emphasizes the importance of being able to recognize the signs of identity theft. They recommend tracking your bills and their due dates to ensure no changes have been made to your mailing address, carefully reviewing all information on your bills, frequently monitoring your bank accounts and statements, and obtaining and scrutinizing your credit reports.
Alarmingly, in 2021, one in ten Americans experienced identity theft. Furthermore, the FTC’s consumer data from 2022 and 2023 revealed a concerning trend: Massachusetts is among the states grappling with the most significant increases in this type of fraud. Specifically, a 55% increase in identity theft cases was observed in Massachusetts.
Fortunately, there are protective measures individuals can take. One effective method is to place a credit freeze on your credit reports, which restricts anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Another option is to set up a fraud alert, which prompts businesses to verify your identity before opening a new account. To implement either of these, you’ll need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus.
Additional precautions include safeguarding personal documents and shredding any sensitive papers before disposal. It’s also advisable to question requests for your Social Security number. Furthermore, when creating online passwords, it’s crucial to use strong ones, incorporating a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Enabling two-factor authentication where available is also recommended. Even though it may be convenient, avoid reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts.
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