Identity theft causes credit scores to plummet due to fraudulent accounts, maxed-out credit lines, and missed payments. Victims often face denied loans, higher insurance premiums, and, in some cases, employment issues. Recovery involves placing fraud alerts, freezing credit, and disputing fraudulent information with bureaus.
It happens when a person steals your name, Social Security number and other private data. They then use your information to apply for loans, credit cards and other lines of credit. If they don't pay those bills, your credit scores can drop.
If you've been a victim of identity theft, you can also get credit reporting companies to remove fraudulent information and debts from your credit report, which is called blocking. To do this, you must send the credit reporting companies: An identity theft report, which can be done through IdentityTheft.gov.
For example, a 2023 report from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) showed that 71% of consumers that reported identity misuse to them were able to resolve it within a month. However, the IRS's processing of Identity Theft Victim Assistance (IDTVA) cases are averaging 506 days, in 2025.
Should you get a new SSN? If you've done all you can to fix the problems resulting from misuse of your SSN, and someone is still using your number, we may assign you a new number. You can't get a new SSN: If your SSN card is lost or stolen, but there's no evidence that someone is using your number.
To report identity theft, contact: 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.
Some of the worst-case scenarios linked to SSN fraud include criminals opening bank accounts under a fake or someone else's identity, using newly obtained credit cards for fraudulent transactions, or even accessing medical services and receiving huge loans, putting the businesses and their victims behind in debt.
Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. An identity thief can file a tax refund in your name and get your refund.
The 2-2-2 credit rule is a common underwriting guideline lenders use to verify that a borrower: Has at least two active credit accounts, like credit cards, auto loans or student loans. The credit accounts that have been open for at least two years.
The time it takes to raise your credit score from 500 to 700 can vary widely depending on your individual financial situation. On average, it may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months of responsible credit management, including timely payments and reducing debt, to see a significant improvement in your credit score.
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.
One way is to regularly review your credit and personal information for signs of suspicious activity. Another is to subscribe to a service like the TransUnion Credit Alert service. When anyone applies for credit from any credit or service provider, an enquiry on that person's credit report is made at a credit bureau.
Factors That Determine Credit Scores
With a stolen SSN, criminals posing as you can: Open fraudulent credit cards and bank accounts. File or collect tax returns. Access government benefits.
A credit freeze is a powerful tool that greatly reduces the risk of identity theft. Placing a freeze on your credit means that no one can access your information to fraudulently open a new account in your name.
You can contact any of the three nationwide credit bureaus to request a fraud alert. Once you have placed a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the bureaus, that bureau will send a request to the other two bureaus to do the same, so you do not have to contact all three.
Credit Score
When applying for a $400,000 home, lenders evaluate your credit scores to determine eligibility and the rates you'll receive: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates. 660-699: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.
A 700 credit score may help you qualify for certain types of credit, like a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card. However, since credit score is only one factor lenders use to determine eligibility, you'll want to make sure other factors, like income and your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, also reflect positively.
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What Can Scammers Do With Your ID or Driver's License?
An identity thief could try to use your Social Security number to do things like open accounts, take out a loan, file taxes, or get a job. To check if someone is using your number for work purposes, review your Social Security work history by creating an account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Due to the nature and overwhelming number of identity theft cases, law enforcement agencies do not have the resources to investigate every case. You are the only one that can clear your credit report!
Steps to take now
Most of the time, it's OK to say no to schools, doctor's offices, sports clubs and many other organizations that may ask for this nine-digit identifier. In fact, safeguarding SSNs is a key first step to protecting against identity theft and other fraud.
Many banks, government agencies, and other financial institutions only ask for the last four digits to confirm your identity. With those four digits, plus a bit more of your personal information, scammers could open accounts, access your bank, or apply for benefits in your name.