Top Identity Theft Threats and How to Protect Yourself

Identity theft is when a criminal uses someone’s personal identifiable information (PII) to commit deception or fraud. Criminals usually do this for financial gain. There are multiple ways to steal your personal information and use it for making online purchases and commit other types of fraud. Identity thieves can steal all your information including your birthdate, credit or debit card number, social security number, medical ID number, and mobile phone number. They can open accounts with your personal information and scam people. 

While there are multiple identity theft threats, you can prevent them or at least take emergency measures if your data is stolen. Let’s look at the top digital identity theft threats and how to protect yourself. 

Top Identity Theft Threats and How to Prevent Them 

Here are some of the common types of identity theft threats and how you can prevent each: 

Credit or Debit Card Theft 

Mostly, the criminals steal your personal information or bank cards for financial gains. ID thieves may use your bank account or credit card number to steal your money. They can clean your account in no time if urgent measurements are not taken.

To prevent such kind of thefts, check your account statements regularly for any noticeable changes. If you see any kind of unusual activity, freeze your card immediately by calling your bank. 

Sim Swapping

Sim swap scam or sim hijacking is when the identity thief takes control of your phone number by directing it to the number they are using. They can then use it for criminal activities or easily extract your personal information with it. 

If you suspect any suspicious activity from your phone number, immediately call your mobile phone number service provider to change your number or lock the signals from other locations. Also, please remove it from your social accounts and credit or debit card. 

Social Security Number Theft 

Identity thieves can use your Social Security Number for their financial gains. They can use your name to get government benefits and sell your information to platforms like the dark web. 

Save your social security card at a secure place and only share the number with authorized personnel. Immediately report if your card is stolen or lost. Also, beware of the scam calls asking for your SSN in return for benefits. 

Medical Identity Theft 

In this kind of theft, criminals use your personal information to receive healthcare or health insurance in your name. They can use your card to access your other personal information as well so securing your medical ID card is crucial. 

To avoid medical identity thefts, beware of the charges your insurance provider is applying. If you see unusual charges, report it to your company and confirm it with your doctor. Also, beware of the scam calls asking for your medical ID number in the name of your insurance company. 

Child Identity Theft

It’s easy for identity thieves to open credit accounts by the names of children under 16 as they don’t have credit reports. Children don’t have any idea of the activity until they apply for student loans or a job later in their lives. 

If you have an idea of your child ID theft, confirm it from three nationwide consumer reporting agencies. If they confirm it, you can file an identity theft report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and freeze your child’s credit report. 

Tax Identity Theft 

This theft involves filing a tax return in your name and getting a refund using your personal information. You don’t have an idea until you file an actual return. 

To avoid tax identity thefts, be aware of the phone calls that ask for your personal information, demand your bank information so you can get a refund, ask for payment for overdue taxes, or threaten you in any way

Employment Identity Theft 

Identity thieves can use your personal information such as credit card history to get a job or pass a background check. They can further commit illegal activities using your name and you can be held accountable for it. 

Beware of employers asking for your credit card or bank account information, particularly if they haven’t interviewed yet. Also, do not share your personal information with a personal email address instead of a company address. 

Passport Identity Theft 

Criminals can sell your lost or stolen passport to make fake travel documents and sell them for dollars. They can also sell your passport number on the dark web. Make sure to keep passport in a secure place, whether you are traveling or at home. Immediately report your lost or stolen passport to the security agencies for preventive measures.