Resources include the Federal Trade Commission's IdentityTheft.gov for reporting and recovery plans, credit bureaus for fraud alerts, and non-profits like the Identity Theft Resource Center for free counseling. Banks may offer reimbursement programs. Legal aid services can assist with disputing fraudulent debts.

Prevent internal theft by implementing strict access controls to sensitive data, conducting background checks on hires, training employees on security protocols, using encrypted systems, and monitoring for unusual activity. Establish a code of ethics and encourage reporting of suspicious behavior through anonymous channels.

Signs include unfamiliar transactions on bank statements, unexpected bills or collection calls for accounts you didn't open, denials of credit despite good history, and discrepancies in medical records. Regularly review financial statements and use services like credit monitoring to detect issues early.

Identity theft involves stealing personal information to impersonate someone else, while fraud uses that stolen information for illegal gains like unauthorized purchases. Identity theft is the act of obtaining data, while fraud is the criminal use of it. For example, credit card fraud is a common outcome of identity theft.

If you're a victim, immediately contact credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your reports. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. Notify your bank and credit card companies to freeze accounts. Change all passwords and consider a credit freeze. Keep records of all steps for potential legal actions.

Protect yourself by regularly monitoring your credit reports from agencies like Equifax or Experian. Enable two-factor authentication on online accounts. Shred important documents before disposal. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Use antivirus software and keep it updated to prevent malware attacks that can steal data.

Identity theft is a crime where someone steals your personal information, such as Social Security number or credit card details, to commit fraud. This can happen through data breaches, phishing emails, or physical theft. Types include financial identity theft, medical identity theft, and criminal identity theft. To prevent it, monitor your accounts regularly, use strong passwords, and avoid sharing sensitive information online.