Ahoy, mateys! As we sail towards the horizon of 2026, it’s time to grab the wheel of your finances and make sure identity thieves don’t plunder your treasure. These sneaky scallywags can empty your coffers, sink your credit score, and even hijack your health benefits and tax refunds. But fear not! There are ways to guard your bounty, and Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW) is just the lighthouse you need to navigate these treacherous waters.
Mark your calendars, folks! IDTAW is dropping anchor from January 26-30, and it’s your golden opportunity to arm yourself with the knowledge to keep those pesky identity pirates at bay. The FTC and its trusty crew of partners are rolling out the big guns: free webinars, podcasts, Facebook Live interviews, and a treasure chest of events. These resources will help you test your identity theft know-how, fortify your defenses, and chart a course to recovery if the unthinkable happens.
But wait! You don’t have to twiddle your thumbs until IDTAW. Here’s how you can start battening down the hatches right now:
Hoist the Sails of Awareness: Venture over to ftc.gov/IDTheftWeek and gather free resources that will help you and your crew understand how identity theft happens and why it can happen to anyone, even the saltiest sea dogs.
Keep a Weather Eye on the Horizon: Bookmark the IDTAW page and check for updates on free events. It’s your trusty compass to navigate the stormy seas of identity theft.
Spread the Word, Not the Plank: Share FTC videos on identity theft with your community. The more we know, the safer we all are from being digitally keelhauled.
Man Overboard? Send Out a Rescue Call: If identity theft has already made you walk the plank, head over to IdentityTheft.gov to report the dastardly deed and get a personalized recovery plan.
Dive Deeper into the Depths of Knowledge: Learn more about identity theft at ftc.gov/IDTheft.
So, gear up, gather your crew, and join us during IDTAW! Let’s make sure you’re the captain of your identity and not a pirate’s next catch. Happy sailing, and may your finances always have a fair wind!
For more detailed information, check out the original article: FTC Blog on Identity Theft Awareness.
Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/planning-2026-add-identity-theft-awareness-week-your-calendar