Personal Identity Theft

Personal identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information—such as your Social Security number, credit card details, or other sensitive data—without permission, often for financial gain. 

Understanding the different types of identity theft and taking preventative measures, will help you better protect yourself from becoming a victim and know what steps to take if your identity is compromised.

Here are some common examples of personal identity theft, along with prevention strategies and recovery steps:

Financial Identity Theft

A criminal may use your credit card or bank account information to make unauthorized purchases, apply for loans, or open new accounts in your name. This could result in damage to your credit score, large debts, or even legal complications.

Before an incident: 

• Regularly check your credit report and bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

• Use strong, unique passwords for online banking and financial accounts.

• Set up alerts for transactions over a certain threshold or changes to your credit profile.

After an incident:

• Contact your bank or credit card company to report unauthorized transactions and freeze the affected accounts.

• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov.

• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Medical Identity Theft

Medical theft happens when someone uses your personal information, like your health insurance details or Social Security number, to receive medical services or file fraudulent insurance claims. This could lead to inaccuracies in your medical records or unexpected medical bills.

Before an incident:

• Review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements and medical bills for any services you did not receive.

• Be cautious when sharing personal information, especially in healthcare settings.

• Store insurance cards and documents securely.

After an incident:

• Contact your health insurance company to report the fraudulent activities.

• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights.

• Notify healthcare providers to correct any erroneous information in your medical records.

Criminal Identity Theft

This type of theft occurs when someone uses your identity during an arrest or investigation, resulting in a criminal record or arrest warrant being issued in your name. You may only discover this when a background check is conducted or you are contacted by law enforcement.

Before an incident:

• Regularly check your personal public records and background reports for any discrepancies.

• Be cautious about sharing sensitive information on untrusted platforms or with unfamiliar parties.

• Use identity theft protection services that monitor public records for misuse.

After an incident:

• Contact the arresting law enforcement agency to clear up the fraudulent record.

• Provide documentation to prove your identity, such as a notarized affidavit, and request a Certificate of Identity Theft from the agency.

• Consult with a lawyer to ensure all criminal records are cleared and expunged.

Tax Identity Theft

Tax identity theft occurs when an unauthorized person files a tax return in your name, using your Social Security number to claim a refund or gain access to your personal information. This could delay your legitimate tax filing and refund process.

How to prevent it before it happens?

• File your taxes as early as possible to reduce the chances of someone else filing in your name.

• Use a secure method to submit your tax documents, and never share tax information via email.

• Use an IRS IP PIN (Identity Protection Personal Identification Number) for added security.

How to recover from tax identity theft?

• Report the incident to the IRS and complete an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039).

• Check your tax transcripts for any suspicious activity.

• Work with the IRS to resolve any fraudulent filings and regain access to your tax records.

Social Security Number (SSN) Theft

Another identity theft happens when someone illegally uses your Social Security number to apply for jobs, file tax returns, or claim government benefits. This could result in denial of benefits, tax complications, or other legal issues.

What are some steps for prevention?

• Avoid carrying your Social Security card in your wallet; store it in a safe place.

• Be cautious when sharing your SSN, and only provide it when absolutely necessary.

• Use an identity theft protection service that monitors for unauthorized use of your SSN.

What should you do to recover after an incident?

• Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report misuse of your SSN.

• File an Identity Theft Affidavit with the IRS (Form 14039) if your SSN has been used to file a fraudulent tax return.

• Consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports to prevent further misuse.

General recommendations to protect yourself from personal threats?

• Secure your Social Security number (SSN). Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give out your SSN when necessary.

• Don't share personal information (birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account number) because someone asks for it.

• Collect mail every day. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days. 

• Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.

• Store personal information in a safe place.