Identity Theft and Online Security

Today begins Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW) 2025, and we hope you'll join us during some of the events planned for this week. IDTAW is an excellent opportunity to learn and talk about identity theft and raise awareness to help protect yourself, your family, and your friends.

An unexpected package from an unknown sender arrives in your name. You open it and find a note that says it’s a gift, but it doesn't say who sent it. The note also says to scan a QR code to find out who sent it — or to get instructions on how to return it. Did someone really send you a gift? Or is it an attempt to steal your personal information?

On Monday I leave the FTC after eight wonderful years, most recently leading the Bureau of Consumer Protection. I cannot imagine more fulfilling work. Consumer protection has been my passion since law school, when I advocated for families fighting to stay in their homes after the financial crisis. That experience taught me the importance of a muscular government – one ready to take on powerful interests to protect people from economic abuses. Fifteen years later, I’m proud to leave behind a Bureau that is stronger than ever in advancing that mission.