Did Someone Steal Your Identity?
Steps you'll need to take
- If you believe your Social Security number was stolen or is being misused, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271 and the IRS at 1-800-829-0433. Someone could use your Social Security number to get a job in your name or steal your tax refund, so call both agencies right away.
- If you believe an identity thief may have used the mail to steal your identity or abuse your personal information (for example, you think someone submitted a change-of-address form to the post office in your name), file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at http://ehome.uspis.gov/mailtheft/idtheft.aspx.
- Change all of your account passwords. Make sure you don’t use any personal information, such as your Social Security number or date of birth, as a password.
- If you think someone may be using your driver’s license, contact your local DMV to get a new driver’s license and driver’s license number.
- Call your phone and utility companies to alert them that you have been the victim of identity theft. Ask them to be on the lookout for any unusual account activity.
- Check your computer for viruses. Computer hackers can use viruses to get at your personal information on your computer. Never open email attachments from people you don’t know, and make sure you do regular checks for viruses and spyware.