Identity theft has become alarmingly common, with millions of individuals falling victim each year.

American adults lost a total of $43 billion to identity fraud in 2023, according to a new report co-sponsored by AARP.

The consequences can be devastating, from significant financial losses to emotional distress. By understanding the tactics employed by these digital doppelgängers and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming another statistic.

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To protect yourself, it's crucial to understand the tactics used by identity thieves. While they continually evolve their methods to beat security measures, several core strategies remain prevalent:

1. Phishing scams: These involve fake emails or texts disguised as legitimate communications from trusted companies. They aim to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or Social Security numbers. Be wary of unsolicited messages and never click on suspicious links or provide personal data in response.

2. Data breaches: Hackers often target company databases to steal customer information. As a result, your personal data could be available for sale on the dark web.........

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