Identity (ID) theft happens when a person uses someone else’s name or information to apply for credit, financial accounts, or even employment. It can happen if someone steals your wallet, goes through your trash, steals a password, or steals your financial information.

ID theft costs a lot of time and money to fix. It’s important to keep your personal information secure, such as your social security number, banking and loan information, and passwords. Taking steps to protect yourself in advance goes along way. However, nowadays, ID theft can happen at any time to anyone.

The sooner you take action, the less damage can be done by the person who stole your identity.