What To Know
How can a thief steal my identity?
A thief can get your personal information in person or online. Here are some ways thieves might steal someone’s identity. A thief might:
- steal your mail or garbage to get your account numbers or your Social Security number
- trick you into sending personal information in an email
- steal your account numbers from a business or medical office
- steal your wallet or purse to get your personal information
How do I know if someone steals my identity?
Sometimes, you can tell if someone steals your identity.
- Read your bills.Do you see charges for things you did not buy?
- Watch your bank account statement.Are there withdrawals you did not make? Are there changes you do not expect?
- Check your mail.Did you stop getting a bill? Or did you start getting a new bill you do not know about?
- Get your credit report.Are there accounts or other information you do not recognize?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, someone might have stolen your identity.
Do you think someone stole your identity? If you do, learn more about recovering from identity theft.
What is a credit report?
Your credit report is a summary of your credit history. It lists:
- your name, address, and Social Security number
- your credit cards
- your loans
- how much money you owe
- if you pay your bills on time or late
All the information in the credit report should be about you. Get a copy of your credit report. Make sure you recognize the information in it. If you do not, you need to try to fix it.
Learn more about your credit history, including how to get your free credit report.
Why should I try to fix my credit report?
Your credit report might show that an identity thief is using your personal information. You know the information is not true. But no one else looking at the report knows, unless you tell them.
Businesses look at your credit report. A business uses your credit report to decide whether it wants to deal with you. The identity thief’s information on your credit report might mean you cannot:
- get a cell phone
- rent an apartment
- get utilities
- get a credit card
- borrow money
- get some kinds of jobs
Can I protect myself from identity theft?
You can lower your risk. Every time you shop in a store, you:
- watch your wallet
- are careful with your credit card or debit card
- do not tell people your PIN number
When you shop online, you can:
- use passwords that people cannot guess
- shop on secure websites. They have an address that starts with “https”
- not put personal information on computers in public spaces, like the library
- have security software on your own computer
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As an identity theft expert, I've dedicated significant time and effort to understanding the various ways thieves can compromise personal information. My expertise is not only theoretical but stems from a deep understanding of real-world cases and trends in identity theft. I've closely followed the evolution of identity theft techniques, the vulnerabilities individuals face both in person and online, and the steps one can take to protect themselves.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article, "What To Know: How can a thief steal my identity?"
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Methods of Identity Theft:
- In-Person Theft: Thieves may steal your mail or garbage to obtain account numbers or your Social Security number.
- Online Deception: They might trick you into sending personal information via email.
- Business/Medical Office Breaches: Identity theft can occur by stealing account numbers from businesses or medical offices.
- Physical Theft: Thieves may steal your wallet or purse to gain access to personal information.
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Indicators of Identity Theft:
- Unauthorized Charges: Check your bills for purchases you did not make.
- Unexpected Withdrawals: Monitor your bank account for withdrawals you did not authorize.
- Changes in Mail: Look out for missing bills or the arrival of unfamiliar bills.
- Unrecognized Information in Credit Report: Regularly review your credit report for accounts or information you do not recognize.
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Credit Report Overview:
- A credit report is a comprehensive summary of your credit history.
- It includes personal details like your name, address, and Social Security number.
- Information on credit cards, loans, and your payment history is detailed.
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Importance of Fixing Credit Report:
- An identity thief's information on your credit report can lead to severe consequences.
- Businesses make decisions based on your credit report, affecting your ability to get a cell phone, rent an apartment, secure utilities, obtain a credit card, borrow money, or even land certain jobs.
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Identity Theft Recovery:
- If you suspect identity theft, it's crucial to take immediate action.
- Initiatives include reading bills, monitoring bank statements, checking mail, and obtaining a credit report.
- Recovering from identity theft involves addressing unauthorized activities and rectifying inaccuracies in your credit report.
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Credit Report Protection:
- Vigilance in Daily Activities: Taking precautions while shopping, safeguarding wallet and cards, and being cautious with PIN numbers.
- Online Security Practices: Using strong, unique passwords, shopping on secure websites (with "https" in the address), and avoiding inputting personal information on public computers.
- Security Software: Installing and maintaining security software on personal computers.
Understanding these concepts and implementing preventive measures is vital in safeguarding oneself against identity theft. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take proactive steps to protect your personal information.
