Jan 31, 2025
A New Jersey father says hackers stole his identity in late September, and he's still fighting them months later.
The victim, Dan, who chose not to reveal his last name, spoke to CBS News New York recently about his harrowing experience. According to him, fraudsters gained access to both his and his wife's accounts at the same time — and they've been wreaking havoc.
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"Somebody had hacked into my personal bank account, took money out, and applied for a loan," he explained to investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi. "They had applied for 18 credit cards, and my credit was stellar. They took over my Amazon account as well. Days and days and days of my life trying to get my identity back."
The hackers gained access not just to his bank account but also to his family's email addresses, cellphones, and landline. They sent him random packages and even a sinister, threatening text saying "am watching you."
According to the FTC's most recent Consumer Sentinel Network Annual Data Book, there were more than a million reports of identity theft in the U.S. in 2023, representing nearly 20% of all fraud reports to the agency.
How did his identity get stolen?
Dan is unsure how thieves gained access to his accounts, but he has a few ideas. The day before the attack started, his wife went to purchase gas and said the store held on to her credit card for an "inordinate amount of time." He also suspects the app for a new camera he purchased on Amazon that came from China.
"As soon as I downloaded the [camera's] app, less than 24 hours, all hell broke loose," he said. An Amazon spokesperson told CBS they've restricted purchases of the camera while they investigate.
Even worse, the hackers have changed the home address on his accounts. Instead of listing his legitimate address, it now points to a package delivery store in Jersey City. Saeidi drove to the address in Jersey City but didn't get a response.
She even tried calling the phone numbers threatening Dan’s family, but she never heard back.
Former cybercriminal Brett Johnson spoke with CBS about the incident. He suspects the criminals purchased Dan’s information online and then hacked his phone.
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"A complete identity profile these days ranges from $30 up to about $150, $180," Johnson explained. "It's very easy to do a sim swap online. So they make sure that the number is transferred to a prepaid device that they own instead of the phone that he actually owns."
Dave has contacted the police and the FTC, the government agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws, but he said the case remains at a standstill.
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How to protect your identity - and what to do if it's already happening
Identity theft is becoming increasingly common. Protecting yourself and your accounts is crucial to safeguarding your personal information and financial assets. Here are some ways to stay ahead of the fraudsters.
Use strong passwords and change them often
Using strong, unique passwords is the single most important step you can take to protect your accounts. To create secure passwords, use a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Password generators can help create random, complex combinations, making them harder to crack. Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts — each one should be unique.
It’s also important to change your passwords regularly, ideally every few months. When data breaches occur, fraudsters often purchase leaked personal information, including passwords. To stay safe, update your passwords whenever you hear about a breach involving a platform you use, and consider changing them periodically as an extra precaution.
Use two-factor authentication and text alerts
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent via text or push notification whenever someone tries to log in. While 2FA is a powerful tool, it might not be enough if scammers already have access to your accounts. To strengthen your defenses, set up text alerts whenever possible. Many credit card companies offer text notifications for every purchase, so you’ll be alerted to any unauthorized activity right away.
You can also enhance security by using biometric authentication on your phone. Many banking apps, for example, allow you to login using your fingerprint or face scan. Since biometrics are harder for fraudsters to replicate, they offer an added layer of protection against identity theft.
If you think you've been hacked, freeze your credit
Freezing your credit restricts access to your credit report, which prevents fraudsters from being able to open new accounts in your name. If you suspect your information has been compromised or if you have no intention of opening new lines of credit, consider freezing your credit with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can file a request online, by phone, or by mail.
If you apply for a new loan or credit card, you can unfreeze your report until the application is processed and then refreeze it. Generally, online freeze requests only take a day to process, and unfreezing takes an hour. This simple step can protect you.
Finally, stay vigilant. Pay attention to your accounts, keep your personal information secure, don't click on links in emails you don't recognize, and report any suspected fraud to the companies where the fraud occurred and the Federal Trade Commission.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
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