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Did someone use your personal information to open up a new mobile account or credit card? Or maybe buy stuff with one of your existing accounts? Or did they file for unemployment or taxes in your name? That’s identity theft.

If any of this happened to you, the FTC wants to help you stop the damage and start recovering. Learn more by watching this video:

Not sure whether someone has stolen your identity? Check out these clues that someone is using your information. If your information has been compromised, find the next steps to take. But all roads lead to IdentityTheft.gov, so start there to get your recovery plan.

 

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Identity Theft and Online Security
Identity Theft
Laini
September 25, 2020
I've had identify theft about 15 years ago so I couldn't even file my taxes without having to jump through hoops,to this day I think it's still being used.
Bibi 07
September 25, 2020
July 2020, I placed a 12 month fraud alert w EXPERIAN who informed me they are notifying the 2 other bureaus who will send me directly a confirmation. But I only received 1 from TRANSUNION, none from EQUIFAX. I sent a letter to EQUIFAX mid Aug but did NOT hear from them as of today- almost 6 weeks- i tried to call = it appears the phone lines are busy.. a robot has a long menu of questions, and says : all out associates are busy... pl. wait for x minutes ( up to 30 minutes) or,, hung up . I also noticed if ever one is available, most are not nice: I asked for her name and she said you do not need it, just answer my questions... or " do it on line" or hung up-- MY QUESTION: How often I have to follow up with Equifax and why we only have those 3 ? Many of my friends , some are senior citizens, had the same problems and are AFRAID to call one of these 3, bec some in the staff are not customer- oriented- 2 even cried after they said they were insulted.. sad to see.
FTC Staff
October 01, 2020

In reply to by Bibi 07

The credit bureau you contact to place the fraud alert is required to contact the other two bureaus. Experian is required to contact Equifax and TransUnion.

Although you did not get confirmation from Equifax, it should have gotten a notice from Experian. You don't need to keep asking Equifax to send confirmation. 

Joseph A Di Enno
September 25, 2020
Yeah, I know what it's like to have your identity stolen. I am still going through it. The person that stole my identity seems to be one step ahead of me. They stole it before 2007 and had a license, again in 2012 here we are 2020. I messed up and did not complete the recovery plan.
swipeidea
September 30, 2020
If someone uses your personal information this is a big crime. But nowadays using other personal information to open up a new mobile account or virtual credit card generate occurs frequently.
Harry M
October 01, 2020
When the unemployment compensation program first started I was had someone apply in my name without my knowledge. He has managed to get hold of some personal info like SSN and I think he stole the BOA credit card they sent me. I filled out a fraud report but am frustrated at every turn in finding out anything at all about the case, if there is one. I even gave them a name. What can I do. I have called every number and got the run around -
FTC Staff
October 01, 2020

In reply to by Harry M

Did you report this at www.IdentityTheft.gov? That is the federal government website for reporting identity theft and theft of unemployment benefits. You can create an Identity Theft Report and send copies of the Report to businesses, like credit card companies, where a thief opened an account in your name.

You can also put a credit freeze on your credit report. A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to get access to your credit report and open new credit. This FTC article tells more about a credit freeze and how to place a credit freeze.

FTC Staff
October 01, 2020

In reply to by Harry M

Did you report this at www.IdentityTheft.gov? That is the federal government website for reporting identity theft and theft of unemployment benefits. You can create an Identity Theft Report and send copies of the Report to businesses, like credit card companies, where a thief opened an account in your name.

You can also put a credit freeze on your credit report. A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to get access to your credit report and open new credit. This FTC article tells more about a credit freeze and how to place a credit freeze.

Shehryar Joiya
October 08, 2020
keep sharing this type of informative content.I actually like the content very much.This is a very informative content. b it.ly/ 3jF2 2 mI
Ann in AZ
October 12, 2020
My grandson is a victim of ID theft. He accessed his credit report to see what he needed to do to begin building credit in anticipation of buying a house. He was horrified that there were multiple collections accounts on his file. The file had 4 or 5 alias names. This is a 23 year old young man who has never applied for credit. His credit file was established when he was only 13 years old. I’m helping him dispute all of the incorrect information, but it is an intimidating and overwhelming process. Wish him luck as we move through this process.
cottonm39
October 20, 2020
My local social security office today me I have to send my ID they said know copies or anything and I have not gotten my ID Back yet.
JTAR
October 16, 2020
Someone applied for a US SBA loan and Ohio unemployment compensation with my SS. I discovered this when Discover/Experian notified me and, a few days later, when I received a USPS letter from ODJFS with my 'new' PIN number. (I never had a PIN number, because I never applied for unemployment.) Anyhow, I placed a fraud alert and freeze with all 3 credit-reporting agencies, filed a police report locally, and completed the online FTC forms on Sep 29. Everyone except the FTC followed up with e-mails and a USPS letter of verification. Why didn't the FTC?
FTC Staff
October 21, 2020

In reply to by JTAR

If you report a problem to www.FTC.gov/Complaint and you give your email, you should get an email response.

If somoene used your Social Security number to get benefits, you should file an identity theft report at www.IdentityTheft.gov. There is a special link on the first page for people to report unemployment benefits identity theft. You can create an FTC Identity Theft Report and use that to correct problems caused by the theft. You can enter information that goes into a secure online database that is shared with law enforcement, and create an account that allows you to come back and add details about the theft and get information about other steps to take.

Crossout@1
February 17, 2021
I had my identity hacked now I can’t file my taxes because I can’t verify my identity when all the information is correct
GloBugHouse240
April 08, 2021
I am have a hard time with my background check they my driver's license is not in my name and my address is wrong on my driver's license
Don't use mary…
June 07, 2021
I was with this guy that isn’t a legal citizen and he stole my identity and I want something done about it to him
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