Identity Theft

How to protect yourself against identity theft and respond if it happens.

may go undetected for many years. Victims may not know until they’re adults, applying for their own loans.

Seniors often share their personal information with doctors and caregivers. The number of people and offices that access seniors' information put them at risk.

Types of ID Theft

There are several common types of identity theft that can affect you:

• - Someone uses your Social Security number to falsely file tax returns with the IRS or your state

• - Someone steals your Medicare ID or health insurance member number. Thieves use this information to get medical services or send fake bills to your health insurer.

• Social ID theft - Someone uses your name and photos to create a fake account on social media

Read about how you can prevent identity theft.

when you are away from home for several days.

Pay attention to your billing cycles Billing Cycle: the number of days between statements on a regularly recurring bill. . If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.

Use the security features Security Feature: an app or setting on a wireless device that can help protect the device and the information on it from threats and vulnerabilities. on your mobile phone.

Update sharing and firewall settings Firewall: security monitoring software that analyzes and blocks or allows information traveling between the internet and your computer based on a defined set of security rules. when you're on a public wi-fi network Public WiFi Network: (WiFi hotspot) a network that anyone can use to connect to the internet or other networks. . Use a virtual private network (VPN) Virtual Private Network (VPN): a private network that connects your computer or mobile device to the internet and encrypts (codes) your information to protect your internet activity from monitoring or spying. , if you use public wi-fi.

Review your credit card and bank account statements. Compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.

Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards. This can prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.

Store personal information in a safe place.

Install firewalls and virus-detection software Virus Detection Software: (antivirus software) a computer program used to prevent, detect, and remove malicious programs that have been placed on your computer to spy on you or to do damage to your computer. on your home computer.

that identity thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases

Review your credit reports Credit Report: a report that shows your bill payment history, current debt, and other financial information. once a year. Be certain that they don't include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from .

Freeze your credit files with , , , , and the for free. Credit freezes prevent someone from applying for and getting approval for a credit account or utility services in your name.

 to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at or by phone at 1-877-438-4338.

Report ID Theft Online to Get a Recovery Plan

Đang chơi bàiIf you report identity theft to the FTC online, you will receive an identity theft report and a recovery plan. Create an account on the website to:

• Đang chơi bàiUpdate your recovery plan

• Track your progress

• Receive prefilled form letters to send to creditors

If you don't create an account, you won't be able to access the report or letters later.  for detailed tips, checklists, and sample letters. 

If you report identity theft by phone, the FTC will collect the details of your situation. But it won't give you an ID theft report or recovery plan.  

When to Report ID Theft to the Police

You may choose to report your identity theft to your local police station.  It could be necessary if:

• Đang chơi bàiYou know the identity thief

• The thief used your name in an interaction with the police

• A creditor or another company requires you to provide a police report.  

Report Specific Types of Identity Theft

You may also report specific types of identity theft to other federal agencies.

• Medical Identity Theft - Contact , if you have Medicare.

• Đang chơi bàiTax Identity Theft - Report tax ID theft to the .

Report Identity Theft to Other Organizations

You can also report the theft to other organizations, such as:

• Credit Reporting Agencies - Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies to place fraud alerts or freezes on your accounts. Also get copies of your credit reports, to be sure that no one has already tried to get unauthorized credit accounts with your personal information. Confirm that the credit reporting agency will alert the other two credit reporting agencies.

• - Report cases of identity theft due to a stay in a nursing home or long-term care facility. 

• Financial Institutions - Contact the fraud department at your bank, credit card issuers and any other places where you have accounts.  

• Đang chơi bàiRetailers and Other Companies - Report the crime to companies where the identity thief opened credit accounts or even applied for jobs.

• State Attorney General Offices - Your state's attorney general might offer tips, checklists, or an advocate to help you recover from identity theft. These resources don't replace filing an ID theft report with the FTC.

You may need to get new personal records or identification cards if you're the victim of ID theft.  Learn how to replace your vital identification documents after identity theft. 

 or by phone at 1-877-438-4338 (TTY: 1-866-653-4261). Also, report it to your health insurer's fraud department. 

If you suspect that you have been the victim of , contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477.

Prevent Medical Identity Theft

Take these steps to prevent medical identity theft:

1. Guard your Social Security, Medicare, and health insurance identification numbers. Only share them with your health care providers.
2. Review your explanation of benefits or Medicare Summary. Report questionable charges to your health insurance provider or Medicare.
3. Request your medical records. Review them for incorrect information.

Last Updated: September 9, 2020