This guidebook contains tips from ARAG on how to prevent and recover from identity theft.
Natural disasters and emergencies can significantly increase the risk of identity theft. Displacement, damaged homes, lost mail and stolen documents can expose sensitive personal information at a time when many people are focused on immediate safety and recovery. Scammers and criminals often take advantage of this disruption by posing as lenders, contractors, government agencies or relief organizations, using stolen information to commit fraud.
Steps to take if your identity is compromised
If you believe your personal information has been lost, stolen or misused following a disaster, acting quickly can help limit the damage. Common early steps include placing fraud alerts on credit reports, reviewing financial statements and credit activity and contacting institutions where suspicious activity appears. Keeping detailed records and copies of all communications can be especially important during large‑scale emergencies when response times may be delayed.
Protecting your credit, accounts and personal information
Disasters can interrupt regular billing cycles, mail delivery and online access, making it harder to spot unauthorized activity. Monitoring credit reports, bank accounts and insurance statements can help you identify problems early. When documents or devices are lost or damaged, updating passwords, closing compromised accounts and requesting replacements may help reduce further risk as recovery efforts continue.
Staying alert to scams during disaster recovery
Identity theft after a disaster often overlaps with fraudulent schemes such as fake relief offers, contractor scams or urgent requests for personal information. These scams may target families, older adults or individuals applying for assistance. Remaining cautious about unsolicited communications, limiting what information you share and verifying sources can help protect you while you focus on rebuilding and recovery.
