How your name and address can lead to identity theft. This can include details like Social Security number, birthdate, or name and address. Depending on what identity thieves find, they can do things like open new credit accounts, steal from existing accounts or commit other crimes using a fake identity.
What can fraudsters do with your name and address?
Your name, address and date of birth provide enough information to create another you. An identity thief can use a number of methods to find out your personal information and will then use it to open bank accounts, take out credit cards and apply for state benefits in your name.
Can a scammer do anything with my name?
With your personal information, scammers can: access and drain your bank account. open new bank accounts in your name and take out loans or lines of credit. take out phone plans and other contracts.
What can a scammer do with my name and phone number and address?
By having your cell number, a scammer could trick caller ID systems and get into your financial accounts or call financial institutions that use your phone number to identify you. Once the scammer convinces your carrier to port out your number, you may never get it back.
What if my scammer has my address?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report your scam online with the FTC complaint assistant, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, ET).
How does a scammer know my name?
Spammers often release information-gathering programs called “bots” to collect the names and e-mail addresses of people who post to specific newsgroups. Bots can get this information from both recent and old posts.
Can someone use your cell number without you knowing?
If someone steals your phone number, they become you — for all intents and purposes. With your phone number, a hacker can start hijacking your accounts one by one by having a password reset sent to your phone. They can trick automated systems — like your bank — into thinking theyre you when you call customer service.
If the scammer was able to obtain your personal identifying information (social security number, date of birth, etc.), then you need to contact all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) and place a free 90-day fraud alert on your credit reports.
What details does a scammer need?
Fraudsters need just three pieces of personal information to steal your identity, most of which can be found on your Facebook profile. All it takes is your name, date of birth and address for fraudsters to steal your identity and access your bank accounts, take out loans or take out mobile phones in your name.
Can someone track you with your phone number?
Heres how to tell—and how to put a stop to it. Your cell phone is a prime way for hackers to track your location or spy on your personal information. Once they have your information, they can sell it or use it to steal your identity.
Can I tell if my email has been hacked?
Your password has been changed One of the most obvious signs of your email being hacked is the fact that you cant sign into it. If your email password is rejected as incorrect and you didnt change it, its a strong indication that someone else has altered it.