How are identity thieves able to access my bank accounts or credit cards?

In Illinois, identity thieves are able to access your bank accounts or credit cards by using personal information like your Social Security number, name, date of birth, or address. They can use this information to apply for credit cards using your name, take out a loan in your name, or even open a bank account in your name. Identity thieves can also gain access to your accounts by hacking into your computer or mobile device, stealing your device or wallet, or by going through your trash looking for documents with personal information on them. They can also access your accounts if you have weak passwords or if you use the same password for multiple accounts. Identity thieves may also use phishing emails or other online scams to obtain personal information. By using this information, they can access your accounts or set up new accounts in your name. To protect yourself from identity theft, it is important to use strong passwords, to be aware of online scams, to not leave your personal information in unsecured areas, and to shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them.

Related FAQs

What type of activities can be considered identity theft?
How can I protect my identification documents from identity thieves?
How can I protect my identity when dealing with unfamiliar companies?
Are there any organizations I can contact for help with identity theft?
How can I protect my financial accounts from identity theft?
Can identity theft occur offline?
Can identity theft be used to commit fraud?
What should I do if I have given out personal information to an identity thief?
What is the penalty for committing identity theft?
Where can I find more information on identity theft laws?

Related Blog Posts

What is Identity Theft Law? A Comprehensive Guide - July 31, 2023
Understanding the Basics of Identity Theft Law - August 7, 2023
Practical Tips to Avoid Identity Theft - August 14, 2023
How to Report Identity Theft to Law Enforcement - August 21, 2023
Cyber Security Tactics to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft - August 28, 2023