In the summer of 2026, a cybercriminal group claimed responsibility for stealing data from the Direction générale des Finances publiques (DGFIP), a key French government agency responsible for tax collection and public finance management. This breach raised concerns about the security of sensitive personal and financial information. More recently, the National Education system also suffered a major data leak, exposing the personal details of thousands of students and staff. These incidents have sparked public concern and prompted questions about how individuals should respond if they become victims of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal information, such as their name, address, or social security number, to commit fraud or other crimes. It can lead to financial loss, damage to one's credit score, and even legal troubles if the victim is falsely accused of crimes. In France, as in many countries, the rise in digital transactions and data storage has made individuals more vulnerable to such attacks. To protect themselves, individuals are advised to monitor their financial accounts regularly and watch for any unusual activity. It is also important to be cautious about sharing personal information online or over the phone, especially with unknown sources. Setting up alerts with banks and credit agencies can help detect suspicious behavior early. Additionally, individuals should consider freezing their credit files, which prevents creditors from opening new accounts in their name without explicit permission. Experts recommend that anyone who suspects they have been a victim of identity theft should report it immediately to the relevant authorities, such as the French data protection agency, the Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés (CNIL), and their bank. Prompt action can limit the damage and help in recovering lost information or funds. "Ouest-France" emphasizes the importance of staying informed and proactive in the face of growing cyber threats.