What if your identity was stolen? Identity theft protection 101

Identity theft can sound like something straight out of a Hollywood thriller. A mysterious hacker breaking into a bank account or a con artist slipping through airport security with nothing but a forged passport.

But in reality, identity theft is far less dramatic and far more common than movies make it seem. Every year, millions of people worldwide find their personal information stolen or misused, often with devastating financial and emotional consequences.

To put things into perspective, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission received over a million complaints about identity theft in 2023. These cases, along with other types of fraud, led to financial losses of more than $10 billion, with the median loss per victim being $500.

Minimizing the risk of identity theft starts with awareness. Understanding the risks and using identity theft protection tools like NordProtect can save you from major headaches down the road.

What is identity theft and how does it happen?

Identity theft happens when somebody uses your personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This includes credit card details, your Social Security number, address, or even something as simple as your name.

Common ways identity theft happens include:

• Phishing. Fake emails, calls, or text messages posing as trusted companies to trick you into giving up sensitive information. Sometimes it’s a link to a website that looks trustworthy, just waiting for you to type in your credentials.
• Data breaches. Hackers breaking into a company’s database and stealing multiple people’s personal information all at once.
• Social engineering. A manipulation technique where scammers pose as tech support or a friend in distress to steal your passwords or PINs.
• Card skimming. Criminals attach small devices to ATMs, gas pumps, or payment terminals to steal your credit or debit card information when you swipe.
• Dumpster diving. People often toss unshredded bills, receipts, or documents containing account numbers or birth dates. Thieves dig through the trash and collect the information.

The list definitely doesn’t end here, and with new technologies constantly emerging (such as AI deepfakes), we’re bound to see even more sophisticated identity theft tactics.

Consequences of identity theft

Despite how simple some of these techniques may sound, the aftermath of identity theft is anything but easy. Here’s what you might face:

• Financial fallout. A straightforward one. Thieves can empty your bank accounts, max out your credit cards, or open new ones in your name, leaving you with debt you never agreed to.
• Legal trouble. If a thief uses your identity for crimes like tax fraud or trafficking, you could face a criminal record you didn’t earn. Clearing your name may require court battles and legal fees.
• Emotional toll. As you can probably imagine, it’s exhausting. Victims often feel violated, helpless, and paranoid, sometimes leading to long-term psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD.
• Ruined reputation. Identity theft can damage your reputation by linking your name to crimes you didn’t commit. Friends, coworkers, or employers may hear about “your” fraud before you can clear your name, leaving lasting doubt.

How identity theft protection service NordProtect helps

Taking proactive steps to avoid the devastating consequences of identity theft is key. NordProtect, an identity theft protection tool created by the company behind NordVPN, is designed to keep your personal information safe.

NordProtect offers a range of features to help you stay ahead of identity theft and cyber threats. The goal is to keep an eye on your personal information and alert you before anything goes wrong. The quicker you catch it, the less time your personal data spends on the dark web, reducing the chances of it being misused. If hackers try to sell it, acting fast means the buyer won’t have a chance to do anything with it.

However, if something does happen, NordProtect won’t leave you to deal with the aftermath alone — it’s got your back with identity theft insurance. Since many victims don’t know where to start, NordProtect also provides expert support to help you recover every step of the way.

NordProtect

24/7 dark web monitoring

NordProtect scans the dark web for any of your personal details — like your email, Social Security number, or other sensitive information. If it detects a leak, you’ll get an instant alert with steps to protect yourself.

Credit activity monitoring

It monitors your credit file and alerts you to major changes. If someone opens a new account in your name, your credit score fluctuates, or hard inquiries appear, you’ll get a heads-up.

Real-time cybersecurity alerts

NordProtect keeps you in the loop about data breaches, stolen credentials, and other security risks. With real-time alerts, you can jump into action and secure your accounts before cybercriminals get a chance to exploit your info.

Cyber insurance benefits

NordProtect offers up to $1 million in financial assistance to help cover identity theft recovery costs, including document replacement, legal fees, and lost wages. It also provides up to $100,000 for expenses related to cyber extortion threats.

This also includes expert support, such as access to an identity restoration case manager who’ll guide you through every step of the process.

NordProtect pricing

Right now, you can get NordProtect for $15.49 per month or save big with the annual plan at just $7.49 per month (billed $89.88 per year). That’s a 50% discount compared to the monthly option, making it the smarter choice for long-term protection.

NordProtect is available across the U.S., including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia — except for residents of New York and Washington (for now).

Other tips on how to prevent identity theft

Besides using an identity theft protection tool, there are other steps you should take to help keep your data safe from identity thieves.

• Strong online security. Use strong, unique passwords for each account (a password manager can help) and enable two-factor authentication.
• Monitor your accounts. Regularly review your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Freeze or lock your credit if you’re not applying for new accounts.
• Safeguard your personal information. Shred sensitive documents before tossing them, and think twice before sharing personal details on social media.
• Secure your devices. Keep your software and antivirus up to date. Use biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) when you can. Only download apps or software from trusted sources.
• Stay safe online. Stick to secure Wi-Fi networks, avoid clicking on shady links, and be cautious of phishing scams that impersonate legitimate companies to steal your information.
• Use a VPN. It encrypts your internet connection, which makes it difficult for hackers to access sensitive data like passwords or credit card info. It also masks your IP address, preventing tracking of your online activity. Hackers will have less insight into the websites you visit, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Final thoughts

Identity theft is a very real and growing threat that affects millions of people every year. While stealing personal information can be easy for criminals, the consequences for victims can be long-lasting and devastating.

Investing in identity theft protection tools like NordProtect can help you stay ahead of cyber threats and take action before criminals misuse your personal information. With features like 24/7 dark web and credit activity monitoring, security alerts, and cyber insurance benefits, NordProtect does the heavy lifting for you. It catches threats early so you focus on life instead of fraud.