Security researches have reported a concerning trend that cybercriminals have begun targeting children—even infants—and advertising their stolen information for sale on the dark web. According to one report, 51 percent of new account fraud victims stated that they personally knew the individual who committed the fraud. Identity theft victims may be unaware of the crimes until there is already substantial damage to their financial assets, credit, and reputation.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to better protect yourself and your family from identity theft and identity fraud. Download the white paper Your Guide to Identity Theft to learn more about the various types of identity theft, common warning signs, and steps individuals can take to better protect themselves.
How to Report an Incident. According to the FTC, if you or a loved one believe you have been the victim of identity theft, report it immediately at IdentityTheft. Phishing Scammers often use phishing emails to trick victims into providing personal or financial information. Smishing Scammers may also target victims via text message —a crime called smishing. Whether your personal accounts are hacked, or a major retailer, creditor, or bank is compromised, once a thief has your information, he can steal much more than money from you.
In this method, a thief attaches an electronic data collection device to an ATM or point of sale outlet to capture your information when you slide your card. You will not see the device and will not know the information has been stolen.
Direct theft. While thieves in the past may have stolen your wallet for the cash, or perhaps to use a credit card until it was reported stolen, they will now use the cards in your wallet to steal your identity. They can open new credit cards and access your accounts with the information found in your wallet or purse. Never carry your Social Security card on your person. With some of these methods, there is simply no way to protect yourself.
If you receive applications for "pre-approved" credit cards in the mail, but discard them without tearing up the enclosed materials, criminals may retrieve them and try to activate the cards for their use without your knowledge. Also, if your mail is delivered to a place where others have ready access to it, criminals may simply intercept and redirect your mail to another location.
Many people respond to "spam"— unsolicited E-mail — that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping his promise. In some cases, criminals reportedly have used computer technology to steal large amounts of personal data. For example: False applications for loans and credit cards, Fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts, Fraudulent use of telephone calling cards or online accounts, or Obtaining other goods or privileges which the criminal might be denied if he were to use his real name What Can You Do If You've Become a Victim of Identity Theft?
Call the fraud department. Explain that someone stole your identity. Ask them to close or freeze the accounts.
Then, no one can add new charges unless you agree. But the root of this issue needs to be traced back to the identity thieves themselves.
We need to find ask ourselves — why do people steal identities? Who are these people, and how are they psychologically validating their behavior?
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