How Service Members Can Prevent Identity Theft

Military families face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their personal information. Between frequent moves, deployments, and increased exposure to public records, service members often become prime targets for identity theft. That’s why having reliable identity theft protection for military families is more important than ever.

Whether you are active duty, a veteran, or a military spouse, understanding the risks—and how to combat them—is essential for the long-term security of your identity.

Why Identity Thieves Target Military Families

Cybercriminals see military households as high-value targets. Why? Your lifestyle increases exposure to sensitive systems, and you often manage finances remotely. These circumstances create opportunities for identity thieves to operate without being detected.

Here are some of the most common scams:

Deployment phishing scams

Hackers pose as military officials, sending fake emails asking for login credentials or sensitive data.

Fraudulent PCS housing listings

Scammers post fake rental ads to steal deposits and personal information from families relocating to new duty stations.

Imposter calls targeting spouses

Some scammers pretend to be military doctors or officers, claiming a loved one is injured and needs emergency funds.

Bogus veteran charity appeals

These often use patriotic language to request donations that go straight into the scammer’s hands.

These scams don’t just threaten your personal data—they can impact your credit, financial plans, and peace of mind.

A Real-World Warning: The Equifax Breach

Military families are especially vulnerable when large-scale data breaches occur. One of the most significant was the 2017 Equifax data breach, which exposed the personal data of 147 million Americans, including many service members.¹

Names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and even driver’s license information were compromised. This breach underscored how even the most careful individuals can fall victim to identity theft through no fault of their own. It also highlighted the critical need for credit monitoring for service members and active identity theft prevention.

Smart Strategies to Stay Ahead of Identity Thieves

When it comes to identity theft, vigilance is your best defense. Good news. You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. You just need a strategy that fits your lifestyle as a military family.

Start by thinking about the information you share every day. Seemingly harmless details like travel plans, base assignments, or your child’s school name can be tools for scammers. Being intentional about what you share online is a simple yet powerful first step toward staying protected.

Next, turn your attention to your financial accounts and credit profile. Freezing your credit when you’re not actively using it is a smart move, especially during deployments or relocations. It adds a layer of security that blocks anyone from opening new accounts without your knowledge.

Digital safety matters just as much. Implementing two-factor authentication for banking and email accounts effectively enhances security by preventing unauthorized access, even in cases where passwords may be compromised. And when it comes to documents, both physical and digital, keep them secure. For physical documents, it is wise to utilize locked storage solutions at home, while for sensitive digital files such as insurance information, employing encrypted cloud services is strongly recommended.

A proactive approach to military identity protection is essential to keeping your personal and financial life secure. By taking these simple but effective precautions, you can significantly lower your risk and give your family the protection they deserve.

What To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen

Even with strong protections, identity theft can still occur. If it happens to you or a family member, acting quickly is the best way to minimize damage.

Here’s what to do:

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit file

   Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to request a fraud alert. This notifies lenders to take extra precautions before approving new credit. These fraud alerts are free and typically last for one year.
   
   If you’re an active-duty servicemember, you have an additional option: an active-duty alert. This special alert is designed for military personnel deployed away from their usual duty station. It functions similarly to a standard fraud alert lasting for 12 months and can be renewed for the duration of your deployment. This alert also removes your name from pre-screened credit and insurance offers for two years, reducing the chances of your information being misused during deployment.
   
   You only need to contact one bureau—they’ll notify the others on your behalf.
   
   

2. Check your credit reports

   To check your credit reports, you can obtain free copies from each of the three major credit bureaus by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Once you have accessed your reports, look for suspicious accounts, late payments, or unfamiliar activity.
   
   

3. File a report with the FTC

   Go to IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan and get pre-filled letters for creditors and law enforcement.
   
   

4. Report it to local police (if needed)

   Some financial institutions require a police report to resolve fraud claims.
   
   

5. Contact affected banks or businesses

   Let them know your identity was compromised and ask them to secure or close any fraudulent accounts.
   
   

6. Use your IDShield benefits

   Uniformed Services Benefit Association^® (USBA^®) Members who have taken advantage of our special offer, IDShield, have access to licensed private investigators who help restore your identity and work through the recovery process, every step of the way.
   
   The faster you act, the more control you keep over your finances and reputation.

How USBA Helps Protect Military Families

USBA understands that military family identity theft can jeopardize more than just your credit—it can disrupt your life. That’s why we partner with IDShield to offer discounted, proactive protection built for service members and their families.

With IDShield, you get:

• Real-time credit and dark web monitoring
• Fraud alerts and suspicious activity tracking
• Identity restoration by certified experts
• Tools to lock your Social Security number from unauthorized use

Whether you’re deployed, moving duty stations, or retiring, you deserve a solution that protects you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

You’ve trained to defend your country—make sure you’re also defending your identity.

Cybercrime is getting more sophisticated, and military families are often caught in the crosshairs. Don’t wait until something happens. Take proactive steps today to secure your personal information and financial security.

1. Nguyen, Stephanie T. “Equifax Data Breach Settlement.” Federal Trade Commission, 4 Nov. 2024, www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/equifax-data-breach-settlement.