Most SSNs have been leaked to the Dark Web in recent years — making it more important than ever to learn how to make yourself a less vulnerable target.
6. Your tax return is way off or is rejected by the IRS Tax identity theftoccurs when scammers use your SSN and other personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in your name — and steal the refund. If you try to submit your taxes and are rejected by the IRS, it could mea...
What Is an SSN Data Breach? How the SSN Data Breach Occurred SSN Data Breach Check How to Check If Your SSN Was Leaked Tools to Verify Your SSN After a Data Breach What to Do If Your SSN Was Leaked in a Data Breach Steps to Secure Your SSN After the Breach Freezing Your Credit and...
Three of the top four most-reported types of identity theft in 2022 were financial crimes (loan, bank, and credit card fraud). One of the surest signs that your identity has been stolen is if criminals are trying to take out loans or open new financial accounts in your name. You can ...
Your Medicare number is a prime target for hackers who can sell it on the Dark Web for upwards of $1,000 [*]. That’s 500X more valuable than a stolen SSN. How to protect yourself from medical identity theft: Safeguard your Medicare number and health insurance documents the same way...
How Can I Tell If My Identity Has Been Stolen? Identity theft is a type of identity breach that criminals can use to open new accounts, make purchases, and commit other crimes. The impact of identity theft can be devastating, but there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself....
Report stolen Social Security number. Accessed Aug 23, 2024. View all sources. Get an identity protection PIN from the IRS. You’ll use this six-digit PIN to verify your identity when you file your tax return, preventing someone else from filing with your SSN. You can sign in or create...
Some services, such as Aura and LifeLock, will notify you if your SSN is found on the dark web or is used to apply for financial accounts. Find the best ID theft protection service If you want help safeguarding your information, check out and compare different providers for identity theft...
If you're new to credit, you might be curious about how to decipher what is on your credit report. Learn how to navigate your report with this guide.
Check over your statements when you receive them to make sure there are no strange charges or unusual activity. These could indicate that someone has stolen your identity and is using it for purchases or action on your credit. Check your mail, voicemail, and email for unusual messages ...