To check for unauthorized accounts, review your free annual credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, checking all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) for unknown accounts, inquiries, or addresses, and get your free ChexSystems report for bank accounts. Also, monitor bank/credit card statements for unfamiliar activity, look for unexpected mail from new lenders, and consider freezing your credit for added protection.
To check if someone opened a bank account in your name, request free reports from checking account reporting companies. You should also monitor your credit reports monthly, as new bank accounts may appear there.
You know your identity might be stolen through signs like unexpected bills or debt collection calls for accounts you didn't open, unfamiliar charges on bank/credit statements, loan application denials despite good credit, missing mail, or IRS alerts about fraudulent tax returns, all indicating someone is using your personal info for fraudulent activities like opening new accounts, draining funds, or filing taxes in your name. Regularly checking credit reports and bank statements is crucial to catch these red flags early.
Request a copy of your credit file to check for any suspicious credit applications. Report the theft of personal documents and suspicious credit applications to the police and ask for a crime reference number.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The three major credit reporting agencies. Ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts. The fraud department at your credit card issuers, bank, and other places where you have accounts.
We are a not-for-profit membership organisation that brings different sectors together for the common goal of eliminating fraud and financial crime. For over 35 years we have provided a secure, legal and effective framework for the real time sharing of high grade fraud risk data and intelligence.
A credit freeze is always a good idea, but it's even more important if your Social Security number or other information is exposed in a data breach or if an identity thief has misused your information.
The 15/3 credit card payment method is a strategy to potentially boost your credit score by making two payments per billing cycle: one about 15 days before your statement closes (to lower reported utilization) and another around 3 days before the payment due date (to cover the rest and avoid late fees), though its actual impact on credit scoring is debated. It works by keeping your reported balance lower when the card issuer reports to bureaus, but experts note the specific timing isn't magical, and focusing on the reporting date is key.
What to do if your Social Security number is on the dark web
Signs of identity theft
You know your identity might be stolen through signs like unexpected bills or debt collection calls for accounts you didn't open, unfamiliar charges on bank/credit statements, loan application denials despite good credit, missing mail, or IRS alerts about fraudulent tax returns, all indicating someone is using your personal info for fraudulent activities like opening new accounts, draining funds, or filing taxes in your name. Regularly checking credit reports and bank statements is crucial to catch these red flags early.
You could be at risk for identity theft. That's when someone uses your information — like your Social Security number or credit card — without your permission. If someone has already used your information to open a new account or make a purchase: Report it at IdentityTheft.gov and find out what to do next to recover.
Stealing wallets, purses, and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre- approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information). Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site online, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home.
You can lock your Social Security number (SSN) primarily through the myE-Verify service to prevent its use in employment verification, or get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS to block fraudulent tax filings, but you cannot "freeze" your SSN entirely, so also consider freezing your credit reports with the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) for broader identity theft protection.
Reviewing your credit report
Open credit accounts – Make sure you recognize all of the credit accounts that are open under your name. If there are accounts you don't recognize, this could be a sign that someone has opened a credit card, utility, or loan using your name.
You may be at risk of becoming a victim of identity fraud. For £30 for two years, our Protective Registration service reduces that risk. Please note you can only apply for a Protective Registration using our online application form. We do not accept applications over the telephone.
Yes, you should take steps to "lock" or protect your Social Security Number (SSN) by using free services like credit freezes and SSN locks (like E-Verify Self Lock), and by being cautious about sharing it, as this significantly helps prevent employment fraud, tax scams, and unauthorized access to accounts. While no single lock stops all identity theft, combining freezes, locks, monitoring your accounts, and limiting SSN disclosure offers strong defense against fraudsters using your SSN for loans, jobs, or benefits.