When your identity is stolen, the essential 4 steps are: Secure Accounts (change passwords/PINs, enable 2FA), Place Fraud Alerts/Freezes (on credit reports), Report the Crime (to FTC, police, and relevant agencies like banks/ATO), and Monitor Everything (credit reports, bank/financial statements, and online accounts for suspicious activity). Acting fast and keeping detailed records of every action taken is crucial.
Steps for Victims of Identity Theft or Fraud
Identity Theft: The hacker could use the information on your ID card, such as your name, date of birth, and possibly your address, to impersonate you or commit identity theft. This could lead to fraudulent financial transactions, opening accounts in your name, or other criminal activities.
What to do if you think your identity has been stolen.
How to report identity theft. To report identity theft, contact: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The three major credit reporting agencies.
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts. Credit freezes and fraud alerts can help protect you from identity theft by making it harder for scammers to open new credit accounts in your name. They can also help stop someone who already stole your identity from misusing it again.
Check your credit report to see if an identity thief has used your information. Get your free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review the reports, and if you see an account or debt you don't recognize, contact the company and ask about it.
The following tips can help you lower your risk of becoming a victim.
One way is to regularly review your credit and personal information for signs of suspicious activity. Another is to subscribe to a service like the TransUnion Credit Alert service. When anyone applies for credit from any credit or service provider, an enquiry on that person's credit report is made at a credit bureau.
Some of the worst-case scenarios linked to SSN fraud include criminals opening bank accounts under a fake or someone else's identity, using newly obtained credit cards for fraudulent transactions, or even accessing medical services and receiving huge loans, putting the businesses and their victims behind in debt.
Yes, someone can steal your identity with your government-issued ID or driver's license. Any documents that contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) – including your full name, home address, date of birth, photo or even your signature – can be used to steal your identity and target you with phishing scams.
Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement.
What Can Scammers Do With Your ID or Driver's License?
Open fraudulent accounts: Stolen passport numbers help criminals open bank accounts, apply for loans, or get credit cards in your name, leading to financial damage that can take years to fix.
Stealing wallets, purses, and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre- approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information). Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site online, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home.
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your passport, let the State Department know with a Request to Place a Fraud Alert on a Passport. Maybe someone stole your passport, maybe you lost it, or maybe an identity thief somehow got ahold of your passport number.
To check if someone opened a bank account in your name, request free reports from checking account reporting companies. You should also monitor your credit reports monthly, as new bank accounts may appear there.
If your identity was stolen:
Signs of identity theft
Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information
Merchants refuse your checks. Debt collectors call you about debts that aren't yours. You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report. Medical providers bill you for services you didn't use.
You make one payment 15 days before your statement is due and another payment three days before the due date. By doing this, you can lower your overall credit utilization ratio, which can raise your credit score.
Protect Yourself from Brushing Scams