secure, like a URL that begins with “https.” Telephone and online scams are common and
constantly changing, so you have to be proactive and protect yourself. It may be hard to believe
it’s a scam when you get a call from someone far away that needs help or tells you that your
family member needs help. But it usually is.
You can prevent identity theft by guarding your identifying information carefully and only
sharing it with a few trusted people. Use the checklist in Tool 2: Protecting your identity to
make sure you are taking the right precautions in protecting your identity.