What should you do if you are concerned about identity theft?

Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will collect the details of your situation.

Why should I be concerned about identity theft?

You need to be concerned about identity theft because once criminals have accessed your personal information; the possibilities of utilizing it are limitless. Common ID thefts that involve using new accounts include loan application, credit card application, medical services fraud, among others.

What does it mean when someone steals your identity?

Identity theft is when a cybercriminal gains access to your personal information to steal money or gain other benefits. They can create fake identity documents in your name, get loans and benefits or apply for real identity documents in your name, but with another person’s photograph.

What should I do if someone stole my identity?

Call the fraud department at the companies and financial institutions where you know the identity thief used your personal information. Part of this step may include closing or freezing your accounts that have been compromised. 2. Contact the credit reporting agencies and place fraud alerts.

When does identity theft take place who is the victim?

Identity theft Identity theft happens when fraudsters access enough information about someone’s identity (such as their name, date of birth, current or previous addresses) to commit identity fraud. Identity theft can take place whether the fraud victim is alive or deceased.

How often is your identity stolen from your car?

Most people think identity theft means someone got access to their credit or Social Security cards. In fact, your identity can be stolen from the information you keep inside your vehicle. The FBI reports that a car is stolen every 43 seconds.

Identity (ID) theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. The identity thief may use your information to fraudulently apply for credit, file taxes, or get medical services.

What to do if you think your identity has been stolen?

If you think you are a victim of identity theft, the first thing to do is limit the damage. If your credit cards or debit card were stolen, contact the card issuers and your bank immediately.

What can identity thieves do with your information?

Identity thieves can use your information to drain your bank account or run up credit card bills, get medical treatment on your insurance or get a driver’s license in your name. Everyone who has a Social Security number is a potential victim of identity theft.

Can a police report be used as an identity theft report?

In most cases, you can use your Identity Theft Report in place of a police report to clear your account and credit records of transactions that resulted from the identity theft. That’s because when you use IdentityTheft.gov, you’re reporting the crime to the Federal Trade Commission, a federal law enforcement agency.