The risks of a stolen birth certificate and identity theft

Why is your birth certificate valuable to identity thieves?

At first glance, a birth certificate might not seem like much. It doesn’t grant access to your bank accounts, and it doesn’t have your Social Security number. But in the wrong hands, it can be a powerful tool. Here’s why identity thieves love it:

• Foundation for identity theft: Birth certificates provide verified details—name, birthdate, birthplace—that criminals use to obtain IDs like Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, or passports.
• Opening financial accounts: Thieves can pair a stolen birth certificate with fake documents to open credit or bank accounts, leading to debt in your name.
• Accessing government benefits: Scammers use them to fraudulently apply for unemployment, tax refunds, or other aid, potentially delaying your access to these benefits.
• Assisting tax fraud: With other personal info, birth certificates enable false tax return filings, resulting in stolen refunds or audits under your name.

Major risks of identity theft from a stolen birth certificate

When your birth certificate is stolen or mishandled, the potential repercussions are far-reaching. Here are the risks that could follow an unresolved case of birth certificate theft.

1. Financial damage

Identity theft involving your birth certificate can lead to financial losses, including drained accounts, fraudulent charges, or difficulty obtaining credit. Cleaning up the mess can require countless phone calls, legal interventions, and years of credit monitoring.

2. Legal issues

Fake identities created with your birth certificate may tie your name to criminal acts committed by fraudsters. This could result in false criminal records that interfere with your ability to pass background checks or secure employment.

3. Emotional distress

Dealing with identity theft is mentally and emotionally draining. Many victims experience stress, anxiety, and fear over how long it will take to restore their lives. The uncertainty of future risks only adds to the emotional toll.

What to do if your birth certificate is stolen

If your birth certificate has been stolen or you suspect it may have been misused, it’s important to act quickly to reduce the chances of harm. Here’s what to do, step by step:

File a police report

Report identity theft to local authorities. Provide as much detail as possible, including when and where you suspect the birth certificate was stolen. A police report could be vital in resolving issues down the line.

Contact the issuing agency

Notify the agency or government office that issued the birth certificate. They may be able to flag the document or provide a replacement.

Monitor your credit reports

Check your credit reports for any unusual activity, like accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize. You can request free annual reports from major bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Place a fraud alert or credit freeze

A fraud alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before approving new credit in your name. For added protection, consider a credit freeze, which prevents lenders from accessing your credit altogether.

Enroll in identity theft protection services

LifeLock provides tools to monitor your information and alert you to suspicious activity. Some services also assist with recovery if your identity is stolen.

If you are looking to stay one step ahead of fraudsters, consider enrolling in LifeLock Total. Its comprehensive identity theft protection services monitor your personal information 24/7 and alert you to any risks.