What Is The Government Doing About Identity Theft?

The FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov can assist attorneys who counsel identity theft victims. The site provides victims with a personal recovery plan , walking through each step to take. It also provides pre-filed letters and forms to send to credit bureaus, businesses, and debt collectors.

Will the police do anything about identity theft?

If your personal information was stolen, you might want to file an identity theft report with the police . The FTC recommends doing so if your identity was used during a police interaction (traffic stop or arrest), or if you know the person who committed the fraud. Also, creditors might ask you to file a police report.

Does the government call you about identity theft?

You cannot trust your caller ID to be a verified identity. Any name or number—even your own—can be programmed to appear on that screen. The Social Security Administration does not call citizens about these or benefits matters. The government does not call individual consumers and enlist their help in an investigation .

What does the FTC do about identity theft?

While the FTC does not have criminal jurisdiction, it supports the criminal investigation and prosecution of identity theft by serving as a clearinghouse for identity theft reports , part of the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel report database.

Can the FBI help with identity theft?

As this Subcommittee is well aware, the FBI, along with other federal law enforcement agencies, investigates and prosecutes individuals who use the identities of others to carry out violations of federal criminal law. ... Identity theft is not new to law enforcement.

How can we avoid identity theft?

1. Freeze your credit. ...
2. Safeguard your Social Security number. ...
3. Be alert to phishing and spoofing. ...
4. Use strong passwords and add an authentication step. ...
5. Use alerts. ...
6. Watch your mailbox. ...
7. Shred, shred, shred. ...
8. Use a digital wallet.

What can I do about identity theft?

1. File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.
2. Notify companies of your stolen identity.
3. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
4. Contact your local police department.
5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
6. Freeze your credit.

How do you prove identity theft?

1. The Identity Theft Affidavit you filed with the FTC;
2. Government-issued photographic ID (such as a state ID card or driver’s license);
3. Proof of your home address (like a utility bill or rent agreement);
4. Proof of the theft (bills from creditors or notices from the IRS); and.

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

1. Track what bills you owe and when they’re due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
2. Review your bills. ...
3. Check your bank account statement. ...
4. Get and review your credit reports.

What age group is most commonly victimized by identity theft?

In 2020, the most targeted age group for identity theft were 30 to 39 year olds , among whom 306,090 cases were reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. The second most targeted age group were those aged 40 to 49, with 302,678 cases of identity theft reported.

Should I be worried about identity theft?

If you become a victim of identity theft, or even suspect that you might be a victim, take immediate action. Contact one of the credit reporting agencies’ fraud alert departments and place a fraud alert on your credit report. This prevents identity thieves from opening accounts in your name.

What should I do if I get identity theft Social Security number?

The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen. You may reach the FTC’s identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Consider placing a fraud alert on your Social Security number.

Who can I call for identity theft?

You can call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-438-4338 or TDD at 1-866-653-4261, or online at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft to report identity theft.

What is the law on identity theft?

Possession of identification information was another new offence the legislation created, which is under section 192K of the Act . It entails an individual being in possession of such data for the purpose of using it in an indictable offence, and it carries a maximum of 7 years behind bars.

What is the punishment of identity theft?

Incarceration. A conviction for an identity theft crime can result in time spent in jail or prison . In general, a conviction for a misdemeanor offense can lead to up to a year in jail, while felony sentences can result in several years or more in prison.

How long does it take to recover from identity theft?

On average, it can take 100 to 200 hours over six months to undo identity theft. The recovery process may involve working with the three major credit bureaus to request a fraud alert; reviewing your credit reports to pinpoint fraudulent activity; and reporting the theft.