Sometimes the fraudulent website or email address will differ from the original by a single character. Spoofing is when an attacker creates a replica of the official website, email address or phone number of a trusted source, such as a bank, government agency or retail company. However, phishing and smishing campaigns can be very sophisticated, appear legitimate and often involve something called spoofing. It’s easy to believe you’d never fall for these scams. ![]() Malware is harmful software that can monitor your keystrokes, redirect you to dangerous websites and create pop-ups, stealing identifying information about you in the process. Scammers may attempt to trick you into giving up your SSN or following a hyperlink that downloads malware onto your device. Phishing scams attempt to deceive you into providing personal information through deceptive emails, while smishing scams do the same with deceptive text messages. Learn more about fraud alerts, security freezes and credit report locks here. You can create a myEquifax account to place a fraud alert and security freeze on your Equifax credit report. The three nationwide consumer reporting agencies - Equifax ®, TransUnion ® and Experian ® - offer fraud alerts and security freezes, which can all be activated to help better protect against fraudulent credit or loan applications. If you know your SSN by heart, it may not be necessary to get a new card, but you can easily order a free replacement from the Social Security Administration.įollowing a loss or theft, you should keep a close eye on your credit reports, as these can be your first indication of identity theft. If your Social Security card is nowhere to be found, or if your purse, wallet or other personal belongings have been stolen, you may be vulnerable to identity theft. These are some of the most common ways that your SSN might be compromised and the warning signs to look out for. Being able to spot signs of potential Social Security number identity theft is the first step toward keeping your information safe. For example, a scammer might steal your wallet, purse or mail, rummage through your trash or pose as an employer, government agency or someone else who legitimately needs your personal information. Social Security number identity theft occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to your SSN. Warning signs of Social Security number identity theft Avoid this scam’s frustrating legal and financial consequences and learn how to better protect your personal information from Social Security number identity theft. As alarming as these scenarios may seem, they are signs of a surprisingly common crime - identity theft.Ī stolen Social Security number (SSN) is one of the leading causes of identity theft and can be a real threat to your financial health. Or you get a call from a lender threatening repossession of a luxury car that you don’t own. Imagine you open your mail to find a credit card bill with thousands of dollars of mysterious charges.
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