Is your identity used by another party because you upload your personal information and documents online? In this case, identity theft is common. These bad actors can use your PIC for fraud, scams and other severe crimes.
In identity theft, these bad actors obtain and use your name, credit card and work information, and also other personal documents while pretending it’s you. Criminals steal your information online by hacking your account or mail. Along with this, the result is the same your reputation is targeted.
How Does Identity Theft Happen?
There are a lot of ways that scammers use to steal your personal information and expose your PII. Some of them are given below:
Phishing Attacks
Criminals can take your personal information by using their phishing attacks. These attacks mean that you can accept any scam call, respond to a text message and open any link that is harmful and it is the trick to access your personal information.
Data Breaches
In this, criminals hack the databases of customer profiles from major companies and leak them on the dark web. In these databases, there is a lot of information about users like their phones, emails and other financial information.
Device & Network Hacking
Bad actors intercept the data which are over the wifi network. They can hack personal phones and computers to steal information usually their login credentials. So from this, they can use their phone numbers and email accounts.
Malware & Other Viruses
Scammers send you malicious links, when you click on them and download these malware files into your device it can steal your sensitive data. Also when you fill out the malware forms it can take all your personal information.
Stolen mail, documents & ID
Do you know physical theft is also a serious problem when you steal your documents? So scammers can steal anything that contains your sensitive data including any driver’s license and passport.
Steps To Take If Your Identity Was Stolen
If you know that your identity is theft then it is best to do some steps that help to minimize its impact.
1. Alert Your Bank & Credit Card Companies
When you acknowledge that your data is stolen from any third-party source then it is best to alert your bank and credit card companies regarding your threat or identity theft. So they will help you to secure the process of your account and they can temporary freezes or restrictions on your cards and accounts to prevent further restrictions.
2. Change Your Password and enable Two-factor verification
Bad actors can steal your passwords of your important accounts and then you have to secure your passwords first. First, you have to reset the password of your most sensitive online accounts. So it can be used to impersonate you like email, banking and the main social media platforms.
So once you are done with the other steps, then go back and change the password to all your other accounts.
Must Read: How to Locate Your Phone in Case of Theft or Loss?
3. Continue Monitoring Your Financial Statements & Accounts
When you change your password and freeze your cards then you don’t forget that everything is best. And you have to continue monitoring your financial statements and accounts. Keep in mind that if the bad actor has stolen your information once, then they must steal it again.
4. Google Yourself
Now look for any malware or malicious activities that are related to you. Because sometimes the criminals
used your stolen identity on social media platforms, any forums, and other marketplaces.
5. Notify Law Enforcement
And when you gather the basic evidence then you can report a file to the police. It is not for just physical theft and if you report the theft online then you also report this to your police department.
In this manner, a formal record is created, which is advantageous should financial institutions or other organisations need evidence of the offence. You can even get in touch with certain government institutions in some nations if you believe your identity has been stolen.
6. SetUp A Fraud Alert Or Credit Freeze
Fraudulent activities include that they send you fraud alerts and verifying that it’s you who is asking for a loan or a new credit card. It is important when you suspect your social security number may be stolen.
You can also freeze your credit card totally, which gives a restriction from taking any kind of loan. However, consider this: although it would guarantee that no one can take out loans in your name, there will be a transitional time you’d have to wait out before you can immediately reverse the restriction when necessary.
7. Replace Stolen IDs & Other Documents
Every document that you have stolen must be changed after it has been stolen Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, passports, health insurance cards, and identity cards can all be changed.
So contact these institutions that are responsible for issuing these new documents.
8. Scan Your Devices For Malware
There are several methods for malicious software, such as keyloggers or remote access trojans, to get into your system and take your most sensitive data secretly. If you don’t remove the virus from your device, almost all of your efforts to cure identity theft will be unsuccessful. Purchase a reliable, high-end antivirus programme, then give each device a thorough checkup.
How Should You Respond To The Theft Of Your Identity?
If you think that your identity is theft and may be stolen, then you have to do some steps that are given below:
- First, you have to contact to FTC and then identify a theft report.
- Also, fill out the fraudulent report.
- File a police report and contact your police.
- Make sure that you are in contact with the bank, credit agency and all other institutions to place fraudulent alerts.
- Must change your passwords for online banking and other accounts.
- Remember to record all of your talks and keep a log of your activity.
How To Prevent Identity Theft?
If you acknowledge that your identity is theft and you are worried about this, then there are some steps that you can take to overcome these issues. Let’s have a look at them.
Must Read: How to Protect Your Smartphone From Theft or Loss
- Always use strong and unique passwords for your accounts. Accounts that have unique passwords like your email, banking, and other social media accounts. Make them longer and more complex, if anyone tries to crack them then they are difficult for them.
- Always set up two-factor authentication, if your password is stolen or cracked then you have an option to recover your password. It is like a second layer of protection for your account’s password.
- Always protect your documents like passports, tax forms, and any other important documents. So keep them in a safe place in your home. Don’t throw them in the bin.
- Use the specialised app provided by your bank to keep an eye on your account. It will alert you to any changes, decreasing the chance that you’ll overlook an illegal payment or withdrawal of funds.
- Keep updating your software, operating system and other outdated apps. Because the older version includes bugs and malware which may steal your information.
- Always use secured wifi on your devices which is a must without a VPN. So encrypt your connection both at home and on the go. By doing this, your data and devices both are secure.
- Examine the privacy settings on all of your accounts to ensure that the information you provide about yourself is only visible to those you have permitted to see.
· Frequently Asked Questions
How should you respond to the theft of your identity quizlet?
No, it is not possible to run the mobile code from your organization or your organization’s trusted sites.
How should you respond to this after your identity?
If you respond to this identity theft, then some conditions help your problem which are given in this article.
How do you handle the theft of identity?
- Put your credit record under fraud alert.
- Accounts that have been fraudulently opened or compromised should be closed.
- Inform the Federal Trade Commission about identity theft.
- Make a report to the police department in your community.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the above information is helpful for you. If you have any queries, then feel free to put your queries in the below comment box. Have a good day!
