How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Identity thieves obtain other people's personal information in many ways, such as:

  • Going through trash or “dumpster diving.”
  • Stealing wallets or purses.
  • Stealing mail.
  • Using fake emails to solicit personal information.
  • Stealing personnel records from their employers.

Tips for Preventing Identity Theft

  • Shred financial documents before discarding them.
  • Protect your Social Security number.
  • Don’t give out personal information unless you’re sure who you’re dealing with.
  • Don’t use obvious passwords.
  • Keep your information secure.
  • Safeguard information on your computer.

Protect Your Personal Information in Public Records

Search for your name in online court records and Official Records. Certain types of personal information can be removed if found. For more information, see Public Records Privacy.

Visit other public records websites for additional information on protecting your personal information.

If You Are a Victim

  • File a police report.
  • Call Florida’s Fraud Hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-ID-THEFT.
  • Review Florida's ID Theft Victim Kit for details on what to do and who to contact.

Additional Resources

The below websites provide additional information about identity theft.

Annual Credit Report is the official site for consumers to request a free credit report from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can request a free report every 12 months.