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.
Most of us know the importance of making our passwords and PINs secure and keeping them out of fraudsters' hands. But even simple details such as your full name, date of birth and address can be used to commit identity fraud. Often criminals don't need to look very hard to find out where you live or when you were born.
Avoid giving out too much personal information at once. Though the birth date alone may not get you into much trouble, your birth date accompanied with your full name, address and Social Security number would certainly claim you as a victim in due time.
How Does Identity Theft Occur? All that is needed is a little information, such as your social security number, birth date, address, phone number, or any other information which can be discovered.
Physical Theft: examples of this would be dumpster diving, mail theft, skimming, change of address, reshipping, government records, identity consolidation. Technology-Based: examples of this are phishing, pharming, DNS Cache Poisoning, wardriving, spyware, malware and viruses.
With the information on your birth certificate, scammers can search the Dark Web for more sensitive information — including your credit card numbers, online passwords, and Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, few people know whether their personal information is for sale on the Dark Web.
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
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.
Many businesses use this information as a way to confirm your identity. One reason your birth date is so often used to identify you is that it's not considered to be sensitive information. Because of this, it is often used as a public identifier, such as when someone is obtaining a person's criminal history.
A bunch of things, really. It could mean he is planning something for you, or trying to figure out your sign, or figuring when you turn 18. think about the context of the question.
Don't tell everyone it's your birthday. They might throw you a surprise party and we all know how us introverts feel about parties. If you want to celebrate, invite only your family and closest friends. This will make sure it doesn't turn into one of those events where you don't even recognize half the people there.
Here are some of the basic details about you that fraudsters can use to steal your identity: Full name. A simple Google search of your name can give scammers access to your social media accounts, email address, home address, and more.
Can thieves steal identities with only a name and address? In short, the answer is “no.” Which is a good thing, as your name and address are in fact part of the public record. Anyone can get a hold of them. However, because they are public information, they are still tools that identity thieves can use.
First let's clear up one myth - giving out your bank account number and BSB is fine. "There is no issue in giving out your BSB/account details as it's only possible to deposit funds rather than withdraw funds," an ING spokesperson told Money. "If an unauthorised debit occurs then the debiting institution is liable."
Generally, providing your BSB and account details to suppliers is safe, as the details are used to deposit, rather than withdraw, funds. However, there's a possibility that your details may be used to set up direct debits if the debiting business doesn't verify ownership of the account with a signature or ID.
Once identity thieves know your name, address and date of birth, they can plug this information into an online database on the Dark Web, enabling them to steal more data, such as your: Social Security number. Credit card numbers. Home phone number.
Stolen personal information is fuel for identity theft
Many online services require users to fill in personal details such as full name, home address and credit card number. Criminals steal this data from online accounts to commit identity theft, such as using the victim's credit card or taking loans in their name.
So if a scammer knows your full name and address, they can use your details for identity theft. They can easily buy your SSN online and your information to apply for credit cards or bank accounts.
There are five steps you should take right away if someone steals your identity: See if you have identity theft insurance. Contact the relevant companies. Report the theft to the FTC and the police.
Contact your police department, report the crime and obtain a police report. Decide whether you want to place a security freeze on your credit report.
Highlights: There are a number of ways identity thieves may obtain your personal information. Fraudsters may dig through mail or trash in search of credit card or bank statements. Unsecured web sites or public Wi-Fi may allow identity thieves to access your information electronically.