How to check if my identity has been stolen
How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?
To check to see if someone is using your SSN, consider checking your credit report. You can do this online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports. You can also use the Annual Credit Report phone number (1-877-322-8228) to request your credit report.
How do you check if someone has used my identity?
at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: www.identitytheft.gov/ To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/.
What do I do if I think my identity has been stolen?
2. Report it to the police. All incidents of identity theft should be reported to your local police. Ask for a copy of the police report or reference number because banks, financial institutions and government agencies may ask for it.
Can someone steal your identity without you knowing?
As in dumpster diving, a thief can take your credit card bills, bank statements; anything that can be used to steal your identity. At times, identity theft criminals have been known to re-route your mail without your knowledge or permission by submitting a change of address to the post office.
What are the four types of identity theft?
The four types of identity theft include medical, criminal, financial and child identity theft.
How much information does a scammer need?
Much like a Social Security number, a thief only needs your name and credit card number to go on a spending spree. Many merchants, particularly online, also ask for your credit card expiration date and security code. But not all do, which opens an opportunity for the thief.
What are you liable for if your identity is stolen?
If you report your identity theft to the FTC within two business days of discovering it, you will only be liable to pay $50 of any unauthorized use of your bank and credit accounts (under federal law). The longer you leave it, the more that financial liability falls on your shoulders.
What information do fraudsters need?
Your name, address and date of birth provide enough information to create another ‘you’. An identity thief can use a number of methods to find out your personal information and will then use it to open bank accounts, take out credit cards and apply for state benefits in your name.
Can a scammer access my bank account?
Employment Scams. Employment scams are another common way scammers try to gain access to people’s financial accounts. … They may also ask for bank account information so they can transfer commission payments to you. This is all a front to get your bank account information, though.
What if a scammer has my phone number?
By having your cell number, a scammer could trick caller ID systems and get into your financial accounts or call financial institutions that use your phone number to identify you. Once the scammer convinces your carrier to port out your number, you may never get it back.
How do fraudsters steal your identity?
Document theft – the scammer gains access to your private information through unlocked mailboxes or discarded personal documents such as utility bills, insurance renewals or health care records. Data breaches – the scammer obtains your data through accidental data breaches of business or government accounts.