If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, it’s crucial to act swiftly to minimize the damage and protect yourself from further harm. Follow these essential steps to navigate the process effectively:
1. Report the Theft to Authorities
- Contact identitytheft.gov to report the identity theft and create a recovery plan.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their identity theft reporting website.
- Notify the IRS and Social Security Administration fraud hotlines to prevent tax fraud and protect your benefits. Call 800-908-4490, extension 245 right away so we can take steps to secure your tax account and match your SSN or ITIN. Also, fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039.
- Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to alert the IRS of the theft and prevent fraudulent tax filings.
- File a police report with your local law enforcement agency to document the identity theft and initiate an investigation.
2. Secure Your Accounts and Information
- Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts to replace compromised passwords.
- Shred sensitive documents containing personal information using Country Mile Document Destruction to prevent further exposure.
- Monitor your bank accounts, credit cards, and financial statements regularly for any suspicious activity. You can read our blog post, “Top Identity Fraud Protection Services Reviewed” to learn more.
- Protect your devices with up-to-date antivirus software and security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Understanding Data Loss Prevention
Data loss prevention (DLP) is a set of strategies and tools designed to prevent sensitive data from being lost, stolen, or exposed to unauthorized parties. DLP software helps organizations identify and protect sensitive information, monitor data usage, and enforce security policies to prevent data breaches.
Reporting a Stolen Social Security Card
If your social security card is stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately. Contact the SSA fraud hotline to report the theft and request a replacement card. Additionally, monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized activity and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts to prevent identity theft.
Call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) if you’re deaf or hard of hearing. They can answer your call from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on weekdays.
How to Check If Your Identity Has Been Stolen
Monitor your credit reports regularly for any signs of suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. You can request free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your credit reports can help you identify any unauthorized activity and take appropriate action to address it.
Take Action to Protect Your Identity
In the event that someone obtains your driver’s license number, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to report the theft and request a replacement license. Additionally, monitor your credit reports and accounts for any signs of fraudulent activity and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to alert creditors of potential identity theft.
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can mitigate the impact of identity theft and take proactive measures to protect your personal information and financial well-being. Remember to stay informed about the latest security threats and take proactive steps to safeguard your identity from fraudsters.