How do you catch an identity thief?
Whatever the case, here’s a 4-step process to follow to find out who stole your identity and caused you so much aggravation.
- Step 1: Order Copies of All Three Credit Reports.
- Step 2: File an ID Theft Complaint with the FTC.
- Step 3: File a Police Report Documenting Your Identity Theft.
How common is ID theft?
Identity theft affects about 1 in 20 American each year. According to Javelin’s 2020 Identity Fraud Survey, 13 million consumers in the U.S. were affected by identity fraud in 2019 with total fraud losses of nearly $17 billion.
How can you prove someone stole your identity?
File a police report.
- The Identity Theft Affidavit you filed with the FTC;
- Government-issued photographic ID (such as a state ID card or driver’s license);
- Proof of your home address (like a utility bill or rent agreement);
- Proof of the theft (bills from creditors or notices from the IRS); and.
How can someone steal your identity with your Social Security number?
There are a lot of ways someone can steal your identity or Social Security number. Thieves could swipe your Social Security number by exploiting data breaches, going through the trash for personal documents or using any number of other approaches.
How can a thief get my Social Security number?
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.
What can an identity thief do with your name?
An identity thief can use your name and information to: 1 buy things with your credit cards 2 get new credit cards 3 open a phone, electricity, or gas account 4 steal your tax refund 5 get medical care 6 pretend to be you if they are arrested
What should I do if I find out about identity theft?
Alerts: Notify you of instances where your personal information has been used, like if someone tries to open a bank account in your name. This can be helpful because many people don’t realize identity theft has happened until their credit is wrecked, their bank accounts depleted or they suddenly have a lot of new debt in their name.
What’s the best way to steal someone’s identity?
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.