Identity Theft Frequently Asked Questions
What is identity theft?
Identity theft means that someone steals your personal information and uses it without your knowledge or consent to commit fraud or other crimes. For example, if someone opened a credit card in your name, and began buying things using that card, that would be identity theft. If they are not caught right away, the thief may build up credit by paying the first bills on time, and then when the credit card company gives him a larger credit limit, they charge more things and escape without paying for them. The credit card company thinks it is you since the card is in your name.
Is identity theft only a problem for those people whose information may have been stolen via a computer?
No. You can be a victim of identity theft in many ways. People may be able to obtain your information by stealing your credit cards, overhearing you give your credit card number on the telephone, or picking up a receipt (such as from a restaurant or gas station) that has your account on it. In addition, most companies store information about your purchase in a database. If someone accesses that database, he or she can obtain information about many people at one time.
Should I cancel my credit cards or close my bank accounts, just to be safe?
No. Unless you notice suspicious activity, such as charges you did not make, or a withdrawal that you did not make, you do not need to cancel your credit cards or close any bank accounts.
What do you mean by "suspicious activity"?
Suspicious activity could include the following:
- Inquiries from companies you haven't contacted or done business with
- Purchases or charges on your accounts that you did not make
- New accounts you didn't open
- Changes to existing accounts you didn't make (e.g., change of address, expanded credit limit, new person authorized to use your credit card, etc.)
- Bills that don't arrive as expected
- Unexpected credit cards or account statements
- Denials of credit for no apparent reason
- Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
I haven't noticed any suspicious activity on my credit cards or bank statement, but I want to do what I can to protect myself from being a victim of identity theft. What do you recommend?
If you are concerned, we recommend that you request a credit freeze from the three national credit reporting agencies so that no one can obtain credit in your name. You should also obtain a free annual credit report, and should pay close attention to your accounts.
To request a credit freeze, you need to contact all three credit reporting agencies.
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, Texas 75013
1-888-397-3742
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, Georgia 30348
1-800-525-6285
TransUnion Security Freeze
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, California 92834-6790
1-800-680-7289
Of course, while you have the credit freeze in place, you also will not be able to obtain new credit or a loan without lifting and then reapplying the freeze. This requires a little extra work but will help protect you and your credit not only in this situation, but from identity theft overall.
What is the big concern about exposing my Social Security number?
These days, there is a big concern that identity thieves could use your Social Security number to pretend they are you to banks or financial institutions that offer loans or credit cards. Then, they can make charges to those credit cards or not pay back the loans, and disappear. The records will be in your name, so it will look like you did this, even though you didn't even know about it. This can affect your future ability to get credit, such as to apply for a new credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage.
What is an annual credit report?
This report will show you whether anyone has applied for credit using your information. The report is free once a year.
How do I get an annual credit report?
To order you report, you can go to the website that has been set up by the three credit reporting services for this purpose: www.annualcreditreport.com. Or, you can call them at 1-877-322-8228.
What should I do if I notice suspicious activity on my credit cards or bank account?
Act quickly. Notify the bank or financial institution at once, and discuss with them whether you should cancel that credit card or close the account. File a report with your local police station and with the police station where the activity occurred. Contact one of the three national credit bureaus to place a 90-day fraud alert on your credit report. That bureau will notify the other two bureaus to flag your file. The fraud alert flag tells creditors to follow additional procedures before opening new accounts in your name or changing existing accounts.
Equifax – 1-800-525-6285
Experian – 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion – 1-800-680-7289
You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission by using the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline:
- By telephone at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
- Online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft
- By mail at Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580
Can Social Security put a flag on my number?
No. Unlike the credit bureaus, the Social Security Administration cannot put a flag or a security alert of any type on your Social Security number.
Can I get a new Social Security number?
The Social Security Administration only assigns new Social Security numbers in rare cases. You have to show that the old number has been used with criminal or harmful intent and that the misuse has caused you to be subjected to recent financial or personal hardship.
What is the US Government doing about identity theft?
The government is doing a number of things. The Federal Trade Commission has set up a system to report identity theft. They are working with state and federal officials such as the FBI, state Attorneys General, and the police to investigate and prosecute identity thieves. In addition, many states, including Indiana, have passed security breach notification laws and credit freeze laws to help people know about breaches and protect their credit. The US government is also coordinating with other countries because this is a global problem.
How many people are affected by identity theft?
Identity theft is a huge and growing problem in the US. Some surveys have estimated that one out of three Americans has been affected.
Where can I get more information about identity theft?
You can visit the FTC's identity theft website at Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.