Unfortunately, in many reported identity theft cases
co-workers, friends, employees, neighbors and family members
see an opportunity to commit identity theft and take advantage.
Who commits the most identity theft?
The highest percentage of consumers who were victimized in 2020 were
between 35 and 44 years of age
and accounted for 30 percent of all identity theft victims. The findings are from an online survey conducted in December 2020 of 8,653 U.S. consumers age 18 and older.
Who is identity theft usually committed by?
Most identity theft is perpetrated by
a family member of the victim
, and some may not be able to obtain new credit cards or open new bank accounts or loans.
What are two ways people commit identity theft?
Identity thieves can steal your personal information directly or indirectly by:
Stealing your wallets and purses containing identification cards, credit cards and bank information
. Stealing your mail including credit and bank statements, phone or utility bills, new checks, and tax information.
What is the most common cause of identity theft?
Among the leading causes of identity theft,
data breaches
stand out as they can rapidly impact a massive group of people. Consider the 2013 Target incident, where hackers gained access to the credit card information of millions of shoppers at the major national retailer.
What are the 5 most common types of identity theft?
- Driver’s license ID Theft. The information on your stolen driver’s license provides your name, address, and date of birth, as well as a State driver’s identity number. …
- Social Security ID Theft. …
- Medical ID Theft. …
- Character/Criminal ID Theft. …
- Financial ID Theft.
How fast does identity theft happen?
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.
Can someone steal your identity with just your name?
Identity
theft begins when someone takes your personally identifiable information such as your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, and your address to use it, without your knowledge or permission, for their personal financial gain.
How can I find out if someone is using my identity?
- 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.
- Review your bills. …
- Check your bank account statement. …
- Get and review your credit reports.
What are the four types of identity theft?
- Financial identity theft. …
- Tax identity theft. …
- Medical identity theft. …
- Employment identity theft. …
- Child identity theft. …
- Senior identity theft.
Are you responsible if your identity is stolen?
Both companies have procedures to deal with ID theft and will put a warning on your file. They can review copies of your credit record and report any false information. … If your credit card was used after it was reported lost or stolen, your maximum liability is
$50
.
What happens if your identity is stolen?
Identity (ID) theft happens
when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud
. The identity thief may use your information to apply for credit, file taxes, or get medical services. These acts can damage your credit status, and cost you time and money to restore your good name.
What age group is most at risk for 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.
What do you need to steal someone’s identity?
- Your Social Security Number. …
- Your Date and Place of Birth. …
- Your Financial Account Numbers. …
- Your Banking PINs. …
- Your Card Expiration Dates and Security Codes. …
- Your Physical and Email Address. …
- Your Driver’s License or Passport Number. …
- Your Phone Number.
How do you prove identity theft?
- The Identity Theft Affidavit you filed with the FTC;
- Government-issued photographic ID (such as a state ID card or driver’s license);
- Proof of your home address (like a utility bill or rent agreement);
- Proof of the theft (bills from creditors or notices from the IRS); and.
What is the minimum sentence for identity theft?
Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of
imprisonment for two years or by imprisonment for five years if it relates to a
terrorism offense. At least thus far, the government has rarely prosecuted the five-year terrorism form of the offense.
