Identity theft – how to protect yourself

March 2, 2026

Whether shopping, making transfers, or using streaming services, each of us regularly provides personal data online. We will reveal how you can better protect your personal data and what to do in case of identity theft.

How do I know if I have become a victim of identity theft?

The following activities may indicate identity theft:

Unexplained transactions on your bank account: Withdrawals from your bank account or charges on your credit card that you did not make.
Debt collection demands: Calls and messages from debt collection agencies for debts you did not incur.
Rejected credit applications: Notifications of declined loans or credit cards that you did not apply for.
Unordered merchandise: Receiving items that you did not order.
Changes to online accounts: Changes to information such as email address or phone number that you did not make.

Regularly monitoring your online accounts is worthwhile as it helps you identify unusual activities and enables you to respond promptly.

Insurance for rental cars and car-sharing

Install the Zurich Cyber Security App. This way, you can benefit from various features such as "identity protection" in one app. And if something does happen, call our specialized support hotline.

Download the Zurich Cyber Security app

How can I protect myself against identity theft and data misuse?

In addition to using secure passwords and keeping your computer updated, you can enhance the protection of your personal data with simple measures:

Verify recipients: Ensure that you transmit your data to a trusted recipient.
Check requests: If an unfamiliar company requests personal data, verify the company's website and contact their customer service.
Adjust social media accounts: Limit the personal data you share and with whom.

What should I do if my personal data has been stolen?

Block accounts: Contact your bank and have your payment cards blocked or replaced.
Change passwords: Change passwords for your user accounts, such as email or online shopping.
Inform the police: Report the identity theft to the police.
Update software: Ensure that your antivirus program is up to date.

Trust Zurich for cybersecurity: With the Zurich Cyber Security App, you have a support hotline at your disposal for cases like these.

Identity theft

We log into user accounts almost every day, for example to make a purchase or pay a bill. All of a sudden, strange things start to happen: There are debits on your bank account that you have not authorized. There's a parcel on your doorstep, but you haven't ordered anything.

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With professional support from

Helena Mariani

Senior Product Manager for Household & Retail

As a senior product manager for Household & Retail at Zurich, she develops innovative insurance solutions and contributes her expertise to the design of products for private customers.