An identity thief can use your name and information to: buy things with your credit cards. get new credit cards. open a phone, electricity, or gas account.
Contents
What identity thieves might do with your sensitive personal information?
Here are some examples of what identity thieves might do with your sensitive personal information. Open new credit cards or other lines of credit using your identifying information. Make unauthorized purchases using your existing credit and debit cards.
How much information does a scammer need to steal your identity?
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.
How do identity thieves get your information?
Highlights: There are a number of ways identity thieves may obtain your personal information. Fraudsters may dig through mail or trash in search of credit card or bank statements. Unsecured web sites or public Wi-Fi may allow identity thieves to access your information electronically.
What is an example of identity theft?
Once identity thieves have your personal information they may: Go on spending sprees using your credit and debit account numbers to buy “big ticket” items like computers or televisions that they can easily re-sell.
What details does a scammer 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.
How can you check to see if your identity has been stolen?
Identity theft: How to check if your ID has been stolen
- Step 1: Check your bank account for unusual transactions.
- Step 2: Check for suspicious activity on your online accounts.
- Step 3: Look out for unusual emails, texts, and letters.
- Step 4: Take note of how much mail you’re receiving.
- Step 5: Check your credit report.
What to do if I gave my information to a scammer?
Call the bank’s hot line, usually printed on the back of your bank card, and report the incident. If you have transferred money to a phisher, report the incident to your local police. Inspect your statements carefully for signs of account misuse. Determine if you want to put a lock on your credit records.
What is the most common method used to steal your identity?
The most common way an identity thief can acquire information from a person is from stealing their purse or wallet and an identity thief may take a person’s personal information from the internet.
What are the most common things stolen during identity theft?
Examples of Identity Theft
- Stolen Checks. If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies.
- ATM Cards.
- Fraudulent Change of Address.
- Social Security Number Misuse.
- Passports.
- Phone Service.
- Driver License Number Misuse.
- False Civil and Criminal Judgements.
What are the 5 types of identity theft?
Here are some common types defined, and some actions you might consider to combat them:
- Financial identity theft.
- Tax identity theft.
- Medical identity theft.
- Employment identity theft.
- Child identity theft.
- Senior identity theft.
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.
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.
Which consequences can victims of identity theft?
Damaged credit: If an identity thief steals your Social Security number (SSN), opens new accounts in your name and never pays, it could ruin your credit history. Not only can this impact your ability to get credit, but it can also hurt your job prospects and increase your auto and homeowners insurance premiums.
Can I report a scammer to the police?
Report dangerous scams and fraud to the police
For most scams, you would first go to Action Fraud. If a scam is putting you or someone else in danger and it’s an emergency though, you need to call the police on 999.
What can fraudsters do with your name and address?
Fraudsters can use your identity details to:
- Open bank accounts.
- Obtain credit cards, loans and state benefits.
- Order goods in your name.
- Take over your existing accounts.
- Take out mobile phone contracts.
- Obtain genuine documents such as passports and driving licences in your name.
How do hackers steal your information?
One way is to try to obtain information directly from an Internet-connected device by installing spyware, which sends information from your device to others without your knowledge or consent. Hackers may install spyware by tricking you into opening spam email, or into “clicking” on attachments, images, and links in
What are the two types of identity theft?
Driver’s License Identity Theft. Mail Identity Theft. Online Shopping Fraud. Social Security Number Identity Theft.