Hey, neighbor! Imagine waking up one morning, stretching, yawning, and realizing someone’s made off with your favorite garden gnome. Shocking, right? Well, identity theft is kind of like that, except they’re not just taking your gnome—they’re after your entire financial persona! Last year, over a million folks found themselves in this digital horror movie. But don’t worry, Identity Theft Awareness Week is here to save the day!

Mark your calendars for January 26-30, 2026, because the FTC is rolling out the red carpet for Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW). Get ready to lock arms (and your credit) with the best of them. Here’s how you can join the fun and keep your identity safe from sticky fingers!

  1. Plug In, Tune Out, and Learn: Got a commute or a gym routine? Perfect! Pop in those earbuds and listen to the latest podcast from the Identity Theft Resource Center and the FTC. Dropping on January 26, this audio adventure will have you clued in and ready to keep identity thieves at bay.

  2. Webinars: The Netflix of Learning: Who says education can’t be entertaining? These one-hour webinars are your go-to for getting expert advice and answers to your burning questions about identity theft. It’s like having a personal tutor, minus the awkward eye contact.

  3. Lights, Camera, Credit Freeze!: Short on time? Check out the new video shorts on credit freezes. They’re quick, informative, and perfect for sharing on social media. Don’t forget to use #IDTheft and #IDTheftWeek to keep the chatter buzzing online.

  4. Be a Community Hero: Don’t wait for IDTAW to start spreading the word. Head over to ftc.gov/IDTheftWeek to find shareable videos, images, and publications. Plus, sign up for FTC Consumer Alerts to stay ahead of the curve. Share these nuggets of wisdom with your friends and family, and help your community dodge the identity theft bullet.

Remember, identity theft doesn’t take a holiday, so neither should your vigilance. Join in the IDTAW festivities and become a superhero in the fight against identity theft. After all, it’s not just about keeping your gnome safe—it’s about protecting YOU.

For more info, visit the original article here: FTC Identity Theft Awareness Week

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/identity-theft-awareness-week-find-tools-and-events-just-you