The most common red flag of identity theft is discovering unauthorized transactions or accounts on your credit report, bank statements, or receiving unexpected bills for items you did not purchase. Other top indicators include missing mail, notification of a fraudulent tax return, or being denied credit unexpectedly.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
Financial identity (ID) theft is the most common type of identity theft. However, ID theft can happen in many forms. Early detection is key to minimizing damage when your personal information is stolen. There are measures you can take to help better protect yourself and your personal information.
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.
Learn 11 of the most common ways of identity theft can happen.
What to do if your Social Security number is on the dark web
An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to help prevent others from filing fraudulent tax returns in your name using your Social Security number or ITIN. The fastest way to get an IP PIN is through an IRS online account. You can sign up for a one-time IP PIN or to have them sent to you every year.
Beware of these warning signs:
Here's a list of seven symptoms that call for attention.
1. Financial Identity Theft. Financial identity theft is perhaps the most common type of identity theft. It involves an unauthorized person gaining access to and using another person's financial information.
Criminals commit identity theft by stealing your personal information. This is often done by taking documents from your rubbish or by making contact with you and pretending to be from a legitimate organisation.
If your identity was stolen:
PRACTICES TO AVOID
To check if someone is using your ID number, regularly review your credit reports, bank/credit card statements, and Social Security earnings record (ssa.gov) for unfamiliar accounts, transactions, or inquiries; look for unexpected bills, denials, or debt collection calls; and monitor for issues like tax return rejection or mail stoppage, using IdentityTheft.gov as a central resource.
It's about following the “3 D's” of identity theft protection - Deter, Detect, and Defend. Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information. Shred financial documents before discarding them. Keep your Social Security number private; avoid carrying it or writing it on checks unless necessary.
Yes, you can get a new Social Security number (SSN) if you're a victim of identity theft, but only if you're experiencing ongoing problems that can't be fixed otherwise, requiring extensive documentation of the misuse and your identity for the Social Security Administration (SSA). You'll need to prove identity, age, and citizenship/immigration status, and show evidence of the identity theft's continuing harm, like financial issues or harassment, after trying to resolve it.