How common is identity theft in the US?

Nearly 60 million Americans have been affected by identity theft, according to a 2018 online survey by The Harris Poll. That same survey indicates nearly 15 million consumers experienced identity theft in 2017. So, yes, the crime of identity theft is relatively common.

What are the odds of having your identity stolen?

Around 1 in 15 people become victims of identity fraud. Americans are most likely to have their identities stolen. 650,572 people suffered from identity theft in 2019. Over 1 million children become victims of identity crimes each year.

Is identity theft becoming more common?

Identity theft incidents almost doubled between 2019 and 2020. The total amount of money lost due to identity fraud was also on the rise. According to the FTC, reported losses grew from $1.8 in 2019 to $3.3 billion in 2020 and $5.8 billion in 2021.

How many Americans have their identity stolen a year?

The FTC estimates that 9 million identities are stolen each year.

What is the most common method used to steal your identity?

The most common way an identity thief can acquire information from a person is from stealing their purse or wallet and an identity thief may take a person's personal information from the internet.

Identity Theft Explained - And What To Do About It

How often do identity thieves get caught?

Are identity thieves ever caught? Identity theft statistics for 2020 are not available yet; however, 2006 research showed that federal authorities arrest only 0.14% of the criminals (one person in 700 identity theft suspects).

How often are SSN stolen?

Jay Jacobs, lead data scientist at Verizon for the breach report, is a foremost expert who has been slicing and dicing this data for years. He estimates 60 percent to 80 percent of Social Security numbers have been stolen by hackers. NPR put the question to him multiple times and he stuck by this estimate.

Why does ID theft happen so rapidly in America?

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America for the very obvious reason that most of us have made our most valuable personal information — name, address, social security number, driver's license, credit card number, etc. — available online. And cyber criminals are having an easy time stealing it!

What age group is most commonly victimized by identity theft?

Reported cases of identity theft, by age of victims U.S. 2020. 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.

What are the five most common types of identity theft?

What are the first signs of identity theft?

How easy is it to steal a Social Security number?

It's surprisingly easy for hackers and criminals to get your Social Security number. This usually happens either by physically getting the information or through a security breach of some kind online. Below are a few of the ways a person can steal your Social Security number: Getting documents out of the trash.

Can someone steal your identity with the last four of your social?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

What happens if your SSN is leaked?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Why identity theft is such a big problem today?

Hackers could damage your reputation, put your job on the line, or create new, fraudulent accounts pretending to be you. Thieves could affect your relationships by asking your friends and family for financial assistance or by revealing private information to them.

Does FBI investigate 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.

Can I 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.

What are 2 things you should do if your identity is stolen?

Can my identity be stolen with my name and date of birth?

Unfortunately, an ID fraudster can use your birthday as a piece of the puzzle to capture your identity and commit identity theft. Fraudsters need just three key bits of information to steal your identity and access your accounts, take out loans, credit cards, mobile phones in your name.

Can someone steal your identity with just your name?

Can thieves steal identities with only a name and address? In short, the answer is “no.” Which is a good thing, as your name and address are in fact part of the public record. Anyone can get a hold of them. However, because they are public information, they are still tools that identity thieves can use.

Should I be worried if someone has my Social Security number?

No matter how or why it happened, if you give your SSN to someone you suspect might be a scammer—or think that your SSN has been stolen for any other reason—take action quickly. You could become a victim of identity theft. First, check your credit reports to ensure nothing is amiss right now with your accounts.

How can I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

Can someone use my SSN with their name?

Hackers can use your SSN to get credit cards in your name.

It is possible for a hacker to get a credit card with just your name, address and Social Security number. Once the credit cards are in place, fraudsters can run up a lot of debt.

How do I know if my identity is being used without my knowledge?

A call, email, or text message attempting to verify an unfamiliar purchase is a classic warning sign of identity theft. If you get one of these messages from your credit card company or bank, take it seriously. Investigate and report any unauthorized purchase attempts.