Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

WHEREAS, identity theft remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, imperiling the financial security, privacy, and well-being of individuals and families across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, December is widely recognized as "National Identity Theft Prevention & Awareness Month," a time to raise awareness about identity-theft risks and encourage Virginians to adopt proactive safeguards; and

WHEREAS, many victims of identity crime suffer long-lasting consequences such as unauthorized credit, loans, and financial losses, and recovery can be complex, time-consuming, and costly; and

WHEREAS, state agencies and consumer protection organizations play a critical role in helping prevent identity theft, assisting victims, and strengthening safeguards; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) works to protect consumers from fraud, misrepresentation, and identity-based scams through outreach, education, and enforcement; and

WHEREAS, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia supports individuals harmed by identity theft through resources such as the "Identity Theft Passport Program," which allows verified victims to present a card to law enforcement or other entities to confirm their identity and avoid wrongful detention or legal complications; and

WHEREAS, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Virginia provides education, fraud alerts, and guidance for businesses and consumers to prevent scams and identity-based fraud, encouraging vigilance and responsible business practices; and

WHEREAS, strengthening public awareness, improving identity-theft prevention measures, and providing robust support and resources for victims serve the public good and help preserve consumer trust, financial stability, and community well-being throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their personal information, to remain vigilant, and to support those who have been harmed by identity crime;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize December 2025 as IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.