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What you can do:  Check with the three nationwide credit bureaus to see if your child has a credit report. What you can do: Make sure the three nationwide credit bureaus place a “death notice” on the person’s credit reports after someone’s death. If you're not signed up for a credit monitoring service, you can request a free report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax and TransUnion—once per year. This type … In this article, you’ll learn 10 types of identity theft you should know about. The types of theft have slight differences in penalties, depending on a particular jurisdiction. Some criminals have mastered the art of hacking their way into website accounts, then use your saved card information to make unapproved purchases.

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What you can do: Be wary of any potential employers asking for credit or bank account information for the purposes of a background check, particularly if they haven't interviewed you yet. Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's information in some way that involves fraud or deception. Criminal identity theft: All identity theft is criminal, but this particular type means someone who is arrested provides your information to law enforcement. When a criminal gives someone else's information to a police officer, it's called criminal identity theft. Prevent home title fraud by periodically checking your home information with your county's deed office. Names, addresses or other identifying information you don't recognize could be signs of fraud. Start your protection, Here are a few steps to take to avoid estate identity theft after a loved one has died: It’s always smart to monitor your accounts regularly and act quickly if you see something wrong. Also be mindful about the mail you throw away. If you find your tax return is rejected because someone has filed a return in your name already, contact the IRS. If you spot charges you didn't make on your statements, or you notice accounts you didn't open on your credit reports, contact the company immediately. If the IRS rejects your tax return, it may be a red flag someone else has already fraudulently filed a return in your name. If you are a victim of criminal identity theft, contact law enforcement immediately. Identity theft is so much more than just someone stealing your social security number or email account. Later, they may file a return and claim a refund. One way to look for this type of theft is on your credit report. There are many different types of identity theft and fraud, including some lesser-known schemes that could wreak havoc on your financial life if undetected. If you are a victim of identity theft, you should report it immediately. If you suspect this type of identity theft, contact your card provider as soon as possible to prevent more unauthorized charges. In addition, you can click "Get my free credit score" on your myEquifax dashboard to enroll in Equifax Core Credit™ for a free monthly Equifax credit report. Get daily notifications when updates are detected. Fraudsters know how to exploit small pieces of your personally identifiable information—also known as PII—for their gain and your loss. Is a Debt Consolidation Loan Right For You? That's why keeping your Social Security card in your wallet is so risky. Quickly access your Equifax credit report, place a freeze or fraud alert, or submit a dispute. In 2018, an estimated 14.4 million people in the U.S. were victims of some sort of identity fraud, according to Javelin Research. Detecting threats and responding to them quickly is the best way to safeguard your financial life. If someone opens an account using your Social Security number—but the name and address are fabricated—it may not appear on your credit report. This type of theft can be tough to spot. You might also consider a credit monitoring service that will notify you of key changes to your credit reports. The federal government’s E-Verify site can show you all the employers that have checked your records, so you can see if there are any unfamiliar ones. Placing a security freeze or a one-year initial fraud alert on your credit reports may help prevent access to open new accounts. The most common type of identity theft occurs when criminals access your existing accounts. Seniors face the same types of identity theft as other adults do. Consumer Finances Then and Now: The Great Recession vs. 2020, Derogatory Marks in Credit Reports Slow Amid Pandemic, Best Credit Cards for Black Friday Shopping. Since criminals need access to your user credentials to break into your accounts and impersonate you online, keeping this information safe is vital. You can even review and correct inaccuracies on your credit report at no charge. Get copies of the official death certificate. The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews.

When periodically checking your credit reports, check your identifying information closely. No matter how it happens, medical identity theft could result in bills for medical services, prescriptions or goods you never requested or received. Get copies of the police report—you may be asked for them when notifying your insurer, medical providers, the credit bureaus and others that you have been victimized. Employment identity theft. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer or other company, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. When an identity thief uses your health insurance to get medical care in your name, doctors may update your records with the imposter's medical information. Once they break in, fraudsters can charge your credit cards, file claims against your insurance policies, or otherwise drive your finances off a cliff. You may need to file a fraud claim using Form 14039. Mail Identity Theft. What you can do: Check your bills, accounts and statements regularly. Once you click apply you will be directed to the issuer or partner's website where you may review the terms and conditions of the offer before applying.