Avoid. Detect. Recover.

Identity theft can happen to anyone. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs' Identity Theft Unit ("the Unit") aims to inform consumers about the steps they can take to protect themselves from identity theft, how to spot if they are a victim, and provide tailored remediation and guidance to identity theft victims. Think someone is using your personal information to commit identity theft, submit an ID Theft Intake Form (PDF). Looking for the Unit to come to your community? Request a presentation (PDF).

Find the most up to date resources at your disposal for avoiding, detecting and recovering from identity theft below. Whether you are a victim of identity theft or want to be a savvier consumer, this is the place to be.

Worried About Identity Theft?

• How to Place, Thaw or Lift a Security Freeze (PDF) - This brochure provides information on how to place, thaw or lift a security freeze, along with who you need to contact.
   
• ID Theft: Income Tax Fraud (PDF) - Identity thieves can use your personal information in any way that you can, including to file YOUR taxes. Take these steps to protect yourself from income tax fraud!
   
• ID Theft: Why it Should Matter to You! (YouTube)
   
• Minimizing the Effects of a Security Breach (YouTube)
   
• Worried about Identity Theft?(YouTube)
   
• Learn more about preventing identity theft

Worried About Child Identity Theft?

• Child Identity Theft, What You Need to Know (PDF) - Tips on avoiding, discovering, and undoing the damage of child identity.
   
• Taking Advantage of the Protected Consumer Freeze (PDF) - A free protected consumer freeze allows the parent, guardian or representative to create a credit file in a protected consumer's name and place a freeze on it, helping to deter identity theft.
   

Was Your Information Lost or Stolen?

• How to Prevent Identity Theft (PDF) - This brochure provides step-by-step instructions on what to do after a security breach and more. 

• Tools for Information Compromise (PDF) - This brochure tells you how to know if your information was stolen, the signs of identity theft and prevention tips to share with your friends and family.

• Check out tips for specific data breaches
   

Are You a Victim of Identity Theft?

• Report Identity Theft (PDF) - This is the form you will use to report your identity theft to the SCDCA Identity Theft Unit.
   
• What to Do if ID Theft Happens to You (YouTube)
   

Sample Letters

• Notifying the Credit Bureaus of a Death (Fillable letter) (PDF) - This brochure will give you instructions to minimize the chance of identity theft of your deceased loved ones.