Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to impersonate you or steal from you and learning more about identity theft can help you keep your info safe. 

Jack Myers with Social Security is highlighting some of the basics of identity theft to just remind people of what it can look like. Thieves can steal your data physically or digitally, without contacting you directly. The other form of identity theft is thieves contacting you directly and convincing you to provide sensitive info or money - which is a scam.

If scammers contact you directly and steal your money, the impact is immediately clear. Myers says what if they got your information and what can they do with that?

There are several ways to spot and identify if your identity has been stolen. A few key actions according to Myers a review your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized transactions. Also, obtain and review your credit reports regularly to make sure they do not include accounts you have not opened.

Next week on Regional Radio, Myers will lay out some ways we can prevent becoming the victim of a scam. 

In the meantime, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.identitytheft.gov. Also, visit www.ssa.gov and look for the publication: Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number.