IdentityTheft.org

Identity Theft Protection, Statistics & Prevention

Identity Theft FAQs: The Questions You Should be Asking

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the world. Identity thieves can steal your personal information and use it to commit crimes. It’s something that you should be aware of. For example, identity thieves might steal your Social Security Number (SSN) or bank account number, then go on a shopping spree or empty your accounts. They may also use your SSN to get jobs under your name, which could put you at risk for legal penalties.

The best way to protect yourself from identity theft is by taking steps like monitoring your credit report regularly and avoiding freely giving out personal information. Identity theft is serious and it’s important to know what to do if it happens to you. Read on to discover frequently asked questions about identity theft and how you can protect yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is when someone pretends to be you by obtaining all of your personal information (birth certificate, ID, social security card, etc). When they have a hold of this information, they can do some serious damage on your behalf. Most times thieves clear out bank accounts, open new credit card accounts, or even apply for buy now pay later sites and apps. It can take a while to clear up any confusion and get things back on track, which is why it’s essential to take safety precautions on and offline.

Does Identity Theft Only Have to Do with Stealing Money or Credit?

No, identity theft is a much bigger problem than just stealing money. Identity thieves may steal your information to do things like getting jobs in your name or rent apartments under your name. This could lead to serious legal consequences for you. The best thing you can do is keep all of your personal information secure and make sure that you monitor your credit report regularly for suspicious activity. 

How Can I Protect My Identity Online?

There are a few ways you can protect your identity online. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from identity theft:

  • Monitor your credit report regularly.
  • Avoid giving out personal information unnecessarily.
  • Keep sensitive documents like tax returns in a secure location.
  • Use strong passwords and change them often.
  • Install firewalls and antivirus programs on your devices.

If you think that you’re a victim of identity theft, there are also steps you should take

  • Notify the credit bureaus and creditors as soon as possible and ask for copies of their reports to check for discrepancies.
  • Request new copies of all your personal identification, such as driver’s licenses or passports.
  • Change all account numbers and passwords, including bank account numbers, debit card PINs, and your login ID for email, social media accounts, etc.

How Can I Protect Myself Offline?

To protect yourself offline, you should take steps to limit the amount of personal information that you give out. For example, you shouldn’t give your social security number out unless it’s necessary. In addition, you should maintain a list of all of your passwords for accounts and replace them regularly with strong passwords.

It is also important that you store sensitive documents, like tax returns or any other type of document with personal information in a secure location. Identity thieves often go through abandoned trash cans looking for pieces of paper with private information on them. To protect yourself from identity theft, always make sure that you shred anything with your information before throwing it away.

How Can I Tell If My Identity Has Been Stolen?

Sometimes it can be difficult to know if your identity has been stolen. However, there are a few steps you can take to find out.

  • Check your credit report regularly. You will be able to see if there have been any new accounts or inquiries that you don’t recognize on your credit report.
  • Contact all of your financial institutions and ask them to check for unauthorized transactions.
  • You receive credit or debit cards that you have not applied or signed up for.
  • Unfamiliar online purchases.
  • Bill collectors trying to get you to pay when you don’t owe anything .
  • Having high credit but getting denied for a new loan or credit card (thieves can easily run credit ratings).

More Id Theft FAQs

The following are more detailed answers to the most common questions pertaining to identity theft:

Website Safety FAQs