Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338.
Contents
What is the code for identity theft?
Identity theft is a criminal offense that is broadly defined as using another person’s identifying information without consent for fraudulent purposes.
How do I know if my identity has been stolen?
Signs of identity theft
You receive credit card statements or other bills with your information that you never applied to. You no longer receive your credit card statements or any of your mail.
What is the IRS number for identity theft?
800-908-4490
For victims of identity theft who have previously been in contact with the IRS and have not achieved a resolution to their case, they can contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free, at 800-908-4490.
Can someone go to jail for using your Social Security number?
In addition to using a victim’s SSN for financial crimes, a thief can give the victim’s SSN to law enforcement when they’re arrested for a crime. In effect, the victim’s SSN can be tied into a full-blown criminal record history, which can affect their educational, housing, and employment possibilities.
What is the penalty for using someone else’s Social Security number?
Identity theft in California is a wobbler, which means that the offense may be punished as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If punished as a felony, you face: up to three years in county jail, and/or. a maximum $10,000 fine.
How would I know 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 can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
How can I find out if someone opened a bank account in my name?
The best way to find out if someone has opened an account in your name is to pull your own credit reports to check. Note that you’ll need to pull your credit reports from all three bureaus—Experian, Equifax and TransUnion—to check for fraud since each report may have different information and reporting.
How do I red flag my Social Security number?
How to put a flag on your social security number or credit report
- Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Equifax, or Experian).
- After a few days, check with the other two credit bureaus to verify that they’ve received the fraud alert as well.
Can someone use your Social Security number with a different name?
They can use your SSN to get a loan in your name.
Then, using the data, an identity thief could get a loan in your name — and never pay it back. This is not only bad for your credit, Weisman said, but it can also affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, get insurance or obtain a loan.
How many years do you get for identity theft?
What are the Penalties for Federal Identity Theft? The maximum penalty for identity theft is usually 15 years in federal prison, in addition to fines and criminal forfeiture.
Is it illegal to use someone else’s identity?
California Penal Code 530.5 PC makes it a crime to take another person’s personal identifying information and use it in any unlawful or fraudulent manner. Identity theft is a wobbler, meaning the charges can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
What can someone do with the last 4 digits of your SSN?
As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.
Can you put a freeze on your Social Security number?
Freezing Your Social Security Number
First, you’ll need to create an account on E-Verify, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once you do, follow the prompts to freeze your SSN. Then, file a police report. Immediately after freezing, contact the authorities.
Are you liable if someone opened a credit card in your name?
The Federal Trade Commission’s website says that in the majority of states, “you’re not responsible for any debt incurred on fraudulent new accounts opened in your name without your permission.” Next, contact one of the three credit bureaus to request it place a fraud alert on your file.
How can I get a credit card using someone else’s Social Security number?
You cannot open a credit card in someone else’s name because it’s against the law. To even attempt it, you would need to use their name, personal info, and SSN. This is identity theft, a.k.a a crime. So, if you want to open a credit card, open it in your name only.
What can someone do with my SSN and DOB?
What Can Someone Do with Your Social Security Number?
- Open Financial Accounts. Your Social Security number is the most important piece of personal information a bank needs when extending you credit or opening an account.
- Get Medical Care.
- File a Fraudulent Tax Refund.
- Commit Crimes.
- Steal Your Benefits.
What do the first 3 numbers of your SSN mean?
Area Number
The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.
How do I find out if someone used my Social Security number to file taxes?
It’s a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency. If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490.
Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?
Although the last four digits of your Social Security number are very freely shared, they are, in fact, the most important part to protect.Only the last four digits of your Social Security number are truly random and unique.