Identity Theft

Source: https://sfs.jhu.edu/financial-wellness/identity-theft/ Parent: https://sfs.jhu.edu/financial-wellness/

Nov. 12, 2022 Protecting Your Identity

Video: A Minute to Learn It – Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals and uses your personal information, such as your credit card and bank account information, Social Security number, or driver’s license. Their intent is to use your personal information to steal money, gain unauthorized access to an account, and/or to access your tax refund. Identity theft is considered a criminal act and there are ways to prevent this from happening to you.

Ways Your Identity Can Be Stolen

Phishing and spam attacks: fraudulent emails sent to trick you into providing your account information.
Malware: also known as malicious software. This is any type of software designed to damage your computer system. This includes a virus or spyware that copies or deletes your data.
Data breaches and Wi-Fi hacking: when a skilled computer expert or hacker accesses your personal information to sell.
Credit card theft: when someone steals your credit card information to open new credit cards or make unauthorized purchases.

How To Prevent Identity Theft

Consult a family member or trusted adviser regarding suspicious information.
Keep your personal information safe by not leaving your computer or documents out in the open, and dispose of personal documents that can be used to identify you by shredding vs. dumping in the trash.
Stay informed about scam trends, and follow basic guidelines for internet safety.
Develop strong passwords when using online accounts, which can include combining lower and uppercase letters, numbers and characters. Using a two-factor authentication, which is an extra security step when logging into sensitive accounts, is also a great way to protect your information.
Do not respond to suspicious emails directing you to a website or asking for your personal information. If you receive an email that appears suspicious and is asking for personal information, make sure to go directly to the website to ensure the request is valid.

Steps To Report Identity Theft

Contact the company/business that you think an identity thief has stolen your information from to explain the situation and begin clearing your name.
Contact the credit bureaus to alert potential creditors that you have experienced identity theft and to block fraudulent accounts and transactions from your credit report. The credit bureaus can place a fraud alert on your account and/or put a freeze on your credit report. These alerts on your credit report can prevent someone from opening any more accounts using your information.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission as they will walk you through the process of recovering your identity.
File a police report.

What To Do After Reporting Identity Theft

Close new accounts opened in your name by contacting the fraud department of each business where an account was opened.
Remove bogus charges from your accounts by contacting the fraud department of each business where an account was opened.
Correct your credit report. Write to each of the three credit bureaus, as you have the right to remove fraudulent information from your credit report. Once the information is blocked, it won’t show up on your credit report, and companies can’t try to collect the debt from you.
Consider adding an extended fraud alert or credit freeze. These can help prevent further misuse of your personal information.
Review your credit reports often.

Tips

You are entitled to one free credit report each year. Be sure to check your credit report for any inconsistencies. Review your credit report online.
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions as they are not secure. Ensure that you are using a private network when completing financial transactions.
If your ID or credit card is stolen – Report your stolen credit card to the provider to cancel or freeze your card. Report your stolen ID to your local police department non-emergency line.
Check your risk level for fraud or identity theft.

Check out these additional resources on identity theft from iGrad.