Would you want to know about identity theft without a social security number? When it comes to identity theft, many people believe that their social security number (SSN) is the only information that can lead to such a breach.
We want to inform you that identity theft can occur without a social security number; it has become increasingly common.
The scope of this article would be on how identity theft can occur even without an SSN; we would talk about the signs you should watch for and how you can protect yourself online.
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Now, let’s get started.
Can Identity Theft Occur Without A Social Security Number?
Yes, identity theft is possible even if the criminal does not have the victim’s SSN.
Although SSNs are convenient for identity theft as they are used in financial and government processes, other personal data can also be misused.
Cybercriminals who perpetrate fraud can use personal details such as your name, address, date of birth, and email address.
How Is Identity Theft Possible Without SSN?
Financial Fraud
With your personal information, thieves can open a new account with your bank, apply for a loan, or even get a credit card in your name.
Thus, despite the absence of an SSN, sometimes it is possible to avoid the verification procedure if the stolen data contains a name, address, and date of birth.
Medical Identity Theft
This involves the use of your personal information to obtain medical treatment or prescription drugs or even file for false insurance claims.
This can give an inaccurate depiction of your medical history, and for your future treatments, the wrong information is used.
Employment Fraud
For instance, your Identity can be used to get a job by someone below the working age in a given country.
This may cause tax difficulties or even legal concerns if the employer declares income under your name.
Tax Fraud
This means that even if fraudsters do not have your SSN, they can file tax returns using some of your other details.
They might forge W-2 forms with your name and other identifying details for filing fraudulent tax returns with the IRS or other tax authorities.
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Signs Of Identity Theft Without An SSN
Unfamiliar Accounts Or Charges
You should constantly monitor your financial statements. When you do so, you can easily detect unfamiliar accounts or charges, indicating that someone is using your Identity without authorization.
Unexpected Medical Bills
Getting bills for medical services you never received indicates that your Identity has been stolen. This may also include notices from collection agencies.
Employment Or Tax Issues
This indicates identity theft if you receive tax documents for jobs you never held or if the IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name.
Denied Credit Or Unusual Credit Reports
If you are refused credit or loans that you thought you would automatically be able to obtain, you should look into accounts opened in your name but which you never opened.
This involves checking the credit report frequently to identify fraud that may have occurred.
Preventing Identity Theft Without SSN
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Use complex and different passwords for your online profiles. Include upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
An excellent way to avoid forgetting your passwords is to use a password manager to manage your passwords efficiently.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Make sure you allow 2FA on your accounts. This makes the account more secure since you need to type in a code that will be sent to your phone and the password.
Keep Track Of Your Credit And Financial Statements
Check your credit reports from the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, on a routine basis. Monitoring your bank and credit card statements regularly for any irregularities is essential.
Be Cautious When Sharing Personal Information.
Avoid providing your details, whether online or offline. Ensure that documents with such information are shredded before being discarded, and do not fall for phishing scams or random demands for such details.
Identity Theft Protection Services
You should also use identity theft protection services, where your information is regularly checked for any signs of fraud. Such services usually offer other tools to assist you if you fall victim to identity theft.
Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze limits people from accessing your credit report; it is a measure that hinders identity thieves from opening credit accounts in your name.
It is also essential to know that you can lift the freeze on your credit report on occasions that require it.
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What To Do If You Suspect Identity Theft
Report To Relevant Authorities
If you find that your Identity has been stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov; you can also file a police report with the local police station and inform the corresponding organizations, such as banks or credit companies.
Place A Fraud Alert
The first step is to call any of the three credit bureaus to file a fraud alert on your credit report.
This is because it becomes difficult for identity thieves to make fake accounts in your name and also makes the creditor take extra precautions in identifying the genuine owner of the particulars provided.
Dispute Fraudulent Charges
If fraud has occurred, notify your bank, credit card issuer, and any other organization involved to contest fraudulent charges and accounts. All communications and actions taken should be documented.
Check And Update Your Credit Report
Once the threats are neutralized, check your credit report for errors and contest any fraudulent accounts or information with the credit reporting agencies.
Can My Identity Be Stolen With My Name And Date Of Birth?
Yes, identity theft is possible with just your name and date of birth.
Though these pieces of information alone may not be enough to facilitate all kinds of identity theft, they are still sufficient for hackers to start constructing profiles that may lead to an advanced level of identity theft.
How Thieves Use Your Name And Date Of Birth
Sometimes, identity thieves will have your name and date of birth and use it to find out more about you.
They can seek further information from social media platforms, public records, or data leaks.
Once they have gathered enough information about you, they can clone your Identity, open new credit accounts in your name, and apply for loans among other illegitimate activities.
The Risks Of Minimal Information
Surprisingly, even such basic details as your name and date of birth can benefit scammers for phishing.
Hackers can use emails or messages that are genuine and make you give more personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords.
Furthermore, they can use this information to answer security questions and access your existing accounts.
Protecting Your Identity
To be on the safe side, you must ensure to avoid disclosing personal details on social networking sites. Change the settings of your social media accounts so that no one can easily see your details.
It is wise to check your financial statements and credit reports regularly for any signs of fraudulent activity. Identity theft protection services can be helpful because they notify you of incidents of fraud.
Therefore, even though name and date of birth cannot be used to defraud your Identity immediately, they can be essential to identity thieves.
That means you need to be alert and address all potential threats that can affect your Identity so that you do not become a victim of identity theft and lose your hard-earned cash and name.
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How Do I Check If My SSN Is Being Used?
One of the ways you can protect yourself from identity theft is to protect your Social Security Number from misuse.
If you suspect someone without authorization is using your SSN, the steps outlined below will help you check for unauthorized activity.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
One of the best ways of ensuring that one’s SSN has not been misused is by keeping track of credit reports.
You are entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Scan through these reports to check for any new accounts, inquiries, or other modifications that are strange to you.
Lack of awareness of specific activities may mean that somebody misuses your SSN without your consent.
Subscribing To Credit Monitoring Services
You can use credit monitoring services to know if there are changes in your credit report, including new accounts or credit inquiries.
These services can help prevent fraud by giving alerts if your SSN is being used, and you can take action immediately.
Check Your Social Security Statement
Go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website and open a ‘my Social Security’ account to check your earnings history.
If, for example, you find earnings that are not yours, it might mean that someone else is filing your SSN for employment purposes.
Monitor Financial Statements
You must also check your bank and credit card statements to ensure no fraudulent activities. Though these do not strictly pertain to your SSN, such activity may indicate a broader concern of identity theft.
Make Use Of The IRS IP PIN.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to ensure that your SSN is not used fraudulently in filing taxes.
This particular six-digit number assists in safeguarding your tax return and guarantees your SSN cannot be misused in any tax ID theft scheme.
Regular checking of your credit reports, financial statements, and records from the Social Security Administration will allow you to identify an unauthorized person’s use of your SSN and take the necessary measures to prevent identity theft.
Reporting all signs of misuse in the shortest time possible can limit the extent of the harm and protect your data.
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What Information Does A Scammer Need To Access My Bank Account?
Most fraudsters can manipulate their way into making dealings on your account if they get hold of some specific pieces of information. The primary details they need include:
Account Number
A bank account number is one of the most sensitive pieces of information. With it, scammers can perform fraudulent transactions like unauthorized withdrawals or transfers.
Routing Number
The routing number, which is a number used to identify your bank, is usually needed alongside your account number when conducting transactions.
Fraudsters can use both to forge checks or carry out direct debit frauds.
Personal Identification Information
Criminals who want to access personal accounts require personal identification information.
These details include your full name, address, date of birth, and social security or national insurance number.
With this information, they can answer security questions or even impersonate you when dealing with your bank.
Online Banking Credentials
In this case, once scammers get your online banking username and password, they can directly log into your account and transact.
They may gain those credentials by phishing emails, malware, vulnerable databases, or other similar techniques.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Codes
In the case of accounts with 2FA turned on, fraudsters should have the second factor, for instance, a code sent to the phone number or mail. They may use social engineering tactics to trick you into providing this code.
To secure your bank account, avoid exposing your account number, routing number, Personal Identity Information, online banking details, and 2 2-factor authentication codes.
You should check your account for unauthorized transactions and ensure that the passwords used to access your banking accounts are secure and not easily guessable.
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Final Thought
Now that we have established identity theft without a social security number, identity theft without an SSN is very much actual and is on the rise.
It is, therefore, important that you know how it can happen and the signs to look out for so that you are not a victim.
Practicing suitable security measures, having basic knowledge about your financial status, and using identity theft protection services play a significant role in lessening the probability of being a victim of such scams.
Be alert, cautious, and active to protect yourself against identity theft.