What if I accidentally gave my information to a scammer?
Ask to speak to the fraud department and explain the situation.. I can request your FTC report as proof that your identity has been stolen. Ask them to close or freeze any fake accounts (or valid accounts accessed by criminals).
What they want is account numbers, passwords, social security numbers and other sensitive information that can be exploitedraid your bank account or rack up bills on your credit cards. Identity thieves can apply for loans or get credit cards and even driver's licenses in your name.
Cancontact the OIG Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or submit a report online at oig.ssa.gov.
You will be targeted by even more scammers
Answering a single spam call is a signal to scammers that you're willing to pick up the phone. So they will keep calling you, sometimes from different phone numbers, trying to get you to call back.
Soon,the answer is no."Which is good, since your name and address are, in fact, part of the public record. Anyone can get their hands on them. However, because it's public information, it's still a tool that identity thieves can use.
If the scammers know your name and address,may target you with phishing campaigns, fake ads and fake offers. Any information you give them can be used to completely steal your identity.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.
- The three main credit reporting agencies. Ask them to post fraud alerts and freeze credit on your accounts.
- Your credit card issuer's fraud department, bank and other places where you have accounts.
- Redirect your text messages.
- They steal your personal information.
- Take control of your phone with SIM Swap Scam.
- It sends you text scams and malware.
- Doxxing leads to harassment and fraud.
- They blackmail you using your confidential information.
- Target you with phone scams using fake caller ID numbers.
If someone steals your phone number, it becomes you, for all intents and purposes. With your phone number, a hacker can start stealing your accounts one by one by sending a reset code to your phone. They can trick automated systems, like your bank, into thinking it's you when you call customer service.
✅ Take action: If you accidentally give out your sensitive information (like your SSN) to scammers,they could take out loans in your name or empty your bank account. Try an anti-phishing service to monitor your finances and alert you to fraud.
How do I know if my SSN is being used?
To see if someone is using your SSN, check your credit report. You can check online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized free credit report website.
An identity thief would need to obtain personal information such as your name, date of birth and social security number to open a credit card in your name.. However, it is a federal crime and can result in jail time if the thief is caught for their behavior.
change passwords
If you clicked on the wrong link or provided personal information in response to a phishing scam,change your passwords immediately. This applies to all email accounts and other online accounts, including bank accounts, utilities, online merchants, etc. You may also need to update the relevant PIN numbers.
PhishLabs warns that responding to a phishing email, even if you know it is a scam,may lead to new attacks. Most phishing campaigns are automated and responding to them puts you on the scammer's radar. PhishLabs emphasizes that these people are criminals and may be vindictive or even dangerous.
Scammers can impersonate you
After hacking their email accounts,can use the account to impersonate you and contact your family or friends. They can trick them into thinking you are in deep trouble and need financial help. Others may send malicious links to their contacts.