What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information to open accounts, file taxes, or make purchases. Identity theft can damage your credit, leading to rejection for borrowing loans and the loss of job opportunities.
Types of identity theft
Social Security identity theft
Once your social security number is stolen, the thief can sell it to undocumented workers or use it to access services or steal property and money. The thief may also use your SSN to forge fraudulent documents, such as passports, or open credit card accounts.
Financial identity theft
Financial identity theft occurs when your credit card or bank information is stolen and used to purchase goods and services. This can be hazardous to your credit and lead to a significant loss of money.
Driver's license identity theft
If your driver's license falls into the wrong hands, it can be sold to someone who matches the picture. The criminal can then use the driver's license to hide or protect his/her own identity while engaging in dangerous situations, such as drunk driving.
Criminal identity theft
This is when a person commits a crime under your name. The criminal may use a fraudulent ID with your name and details.
Medical identity theft
Medical Identity theft occurs when criminals use your medical identification numbers to access medical products and services.
Insurance identity theft
Insurance identity theft is when criminals steal your medical identity information to access insurance to receive medical treatment.
Synthetic identity theft
This is when criminals use your SSN in combination with fake information to create new identities.
How to prevent identity theft
-
Keep your SSN private. Don't carry your SS card with you or write your number on checks.
-
Don't respond to unsolicited requests for personal information by phone, mail, or internet
-
Collect mail as soon as possible
-
Compare receipts with your financial statements to watch for unauthorized transactions
-
Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards
-
Store personal information in a safe place at work or home
-
Install firewalls and virus-detection software on your computer
-
Create a complex password that criminals cannot easily guess
-
Review your credit report at least once per year to be sure it doesn't include accounts you haven't opened.
-
Know where your wallet is
-
Protect your mobile devices with passwords
Signs of identity theft
-
Unsolicited withdrawals from your bank account
-
Missing mail or bills
-
Medical bills for services you didn't use
-
Checks refused by merchants
-
Medical records that show a condition you don't have
-
Unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report
-
Collection calls about accounts you never opened
-
Credit report that contains inquiries from businesses you don't recognize
Steps to repair identity
-
Place an initial fraud alert
-
Order your credit report
-
Create an identity theft report
Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338.
Resources for identity theft
How to Avoid Identity Theft: www.ftc.gov/media/5-ways-help-protect-your-identity-0