How to protect your SSN and documents, the warning signs, and the step-by-step recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, card numbers or name, to open accounts, get loans, file taxes or work in your name.
Protect yourself
Do not carry your Social Security card. Keep it at home with your passport.
Give your SSN only when needed: employer, bank, tax forms, credit applications. Ask "Why do you need it?" for anything else.
Shred papers with personal information before throwing them away.
Use strong, different passwords and turn on two-step login (see the tech guides).
Freeze your credit at all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free and stops new accounts being opened in your name. You can unfreeze it when you apply for credit.
Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). It stops others from filing a tax return with your SSN or ITIN.
Check your free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com (the only official site).
Warning signs
Bills or collection letters for things you did not buy.
Charges you do not recognize.
A tax return rejected because "a return was already filed with this SSN".
An employer tells you your SSN is used at another job.
Unexpected login codes or password reset emails.
Recovery: step by step
1
Go to IdentityTheft.gov (from the Federal Trade Commission). Answer the questions. It creates an Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan, with letters you can send. Available in several languages.
2
Call the fraud department of each company where an account was opened or used. Close or freeze those accounts.
3
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the credit bureaus.
4
Change passwords on your email, bank and phone accounts. Ask your phone company to add a PIN to stop SIM swaps (someone moving your number to their phone).
5
For tax identity theft, follow the IRS steps (often Form 14039).
6
If you need it, file a police report. Keep copies of everything.
Common mistakes
Sending a photo of your passport and SSN card to a stranger for a "job" or "apartment".
Using public Wi-Fi to log in to your bank without a secure connection.