The most common method used to steal your identity is generally phishing, where criminals use deceptive emails, texts, or calls to trick you into providing personal information. Other major sources of stolen data are large-scale data breaches and social engineering tactics.
How identity theft happens
Financial identity theft.
This is the most common form of identity theft — when someone uses another person's information for financial gain.
Most people aren't eligible to change their SSN, which is why, once again, it's important to detect the red flags and know how to identify signs of suspicious activity. If someone steals your SSN, they can use it to: Secure employment. Open bank accounts or obtain credit cards.
Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information
Signs of identity theft
Examples of red flags include inconsistent or unusual activity in a credit report, Social Security number verifications that don't match up and requests for a new credit or debit card less than 30 days after an address change.
Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked? Yes, running an antivirus scan using a mobile security app like Norton 360 Deluxe can help you identify malware infections that could be granting hackers access to your device or data.
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.
This practice is often referred to as two-factor authentication. Savvy scammers know that by hijacking your mobile phone number they can assume your identity, intercept security protocols sent to your phone, and gain access to your financial and social media accounts.
More than 1 in 5 (22%) of Americans report being victims of identity theft. The most common types of identity theft they've fallen victim to include financial (73%), employment (13%), and synthetic ID theft (10%).
Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone's identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, and/or mother's maiden name in order to commit, aid, or abet any crime.
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.
What Can Scammers Do With Your ID or Driver's License?
Tools/Resources for Victims
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).
Spot the Warning Signs
Common Methods of Credit Card and Debit Card Fraud
Card skimming: Devices capture card information at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals, such as at gas pumps. Mail fraud: A scheme by a fraudster to intercept a credit or debit card from the mail before the intended account holder receives it.
Dial codes like *#21# or *#62# help check call forwarding settings, but they can't confirm if your phone is hacked. They're useful for spotting suspicious redirections, but use trusted antivirus apps for reliable threat detection.
Secure Your Accounts: Upon learning you've been hacked, immediately change passwords for all your online accounts. Start with those associated with sensitive information such as banking, email, and investments. From there, move on to accounts that contain less sensitive information such as social media and e-commerce.
Why do Android phones turn up in breach headlines so often? Android powers most of the world's phones and many run outdated software, so attackers get more mileage for their effort. iPhones see fewer hits overall but attract highly skilled spyware crews.
Five Red Flags
If your identity was stolen:
Be on the lookout for these red flags: Being asked to pay money in order to receive a prize or get a job. Pressure to act immediately. Use of scare tactics, e.g. telling you a loved one is in danger, that your computer has been hacked or threatening arrest if you don't act now.