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Influencer’s claim that “Indians will have to get Income-Tax Clearance Certificate every time they travel internationally”; this is what Income Tax Department has to say | – The Times of India

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Influencer’s claim that “Indians will have to get Income-Tax Clearance Certificate every time they travel internationally”; this is what Income Tax Department has to say | – The Times of India


As a traveller, when we think of important travel documents, a passport and a boarding pass are all that seem important. That’s all Indian travellers think they require. But recently, an Instagram reel left the travel world confused. An Instagram video by influencer Sarthak Ahuja (casarthakahuja) claimed that every Indian citizen should get an Income-Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) before leaving the country. Now this particular claim didn’t go well with Indian travellers and the Indian government. Ahuja, with over 3.5 million followers, makes informative videos and has over a decade of experience in startup advisory. For many international travellers, this claim sounded like a bureaucratic storm waiting at the airport to consume their time and energy. But the Indian government issued a clarification on Saturday and PIB also shared a “fact check” on social media against the influencer’s claim calling it “FAKE”. Government calls it FakeAs per an official clarification by the Government of India under #PIBFactCheck, it is a false claim. It further explained that under Section 230 of the Income-tax Act, not every traveller needs to obtain an ITCC. The rule remains unchanged since 2003, even after the recent amendments introduced through the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024. For the everyday traveller, this means your long-awaited holiday — whether it’s a spontaneous trip to Bali, a honeymoon in Europe, or a work trip to Dubai — is not suddenly tied to an additional layer of tax paperwork.PIB wrote: “An Instagram video by the account (casarthakahuja) is claiming that all Indian citizens must obtain an income-tax clearance certificate (ITCC) every time before leaving the country.#PIBFactCheck❌ This claim is #FAKE✅ Under Section 230, tax clearance certificates are not mandatory for everyone; they are only required for specific individuals under certain legal circumstances. This rule has remained unchanged since 2003, even after the amendments vide Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024.💠Always rely on official sources for accurate information.”Why the confusion

claim

It is a misinterpretation of legal provisions that has caused the confusion. An Income-Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) is proof that a person has no pending tax. However it is not a universal travel requirement and is applicable only in specific and rare situations.Authorities may ask for an ITCC if a person is involved in some financial irregularities. If they find any significant unpaid tax dues exceeding ₹10 lakh, they might ask for ITCC. It is because the government wants to make sure that the individual does not leave the country in case of tax discrepancy.But for everyone else and regular Indian travellers, there is no such rule. They can easily plan their trip without worrying about ITCC.So what caused travel panic?We live in a digital world where reels travel faster than light. A single reel from an authentic influencer with millions of followers can easily create panic. For those already struggling with understanding visa rules and currency exchange, such claims can trigger added stress.So the next time you pack your bags, check your passport but remember you don’t need a tax clearance certificate unless you have a serious legal tax issue. The runway is still open, the skies unchanged, the world is still yours to explore!Also remember one thing: As PIB said, “Always rely on official sources for accurate information.”



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Man United close in on UCL return by beating increasingly toxic Chelsea

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Man United close in on UCL return by beating increasingly toxic Chelsea


LONDON — When the dust settles on this season, fans of Chelsea and Manchester United might look back on their meeting at Stamford Bridge in April as a sliding doors moment.

Two teams battling for a place in the UEFA Champions League. Two young managers — Liam Rosenior and Michael Carrick — trying to boost long-term job prospects at their respective clubs.

It was a game of huge importance that was decided by fine margins, and it was United who edged it.

Matheus Cunha scored the only goal in a 1-0 win as Carrick’s team took a big step toward a return to Europe’s top club competition. Qualification certainly won’t hurt the former England midfielder’s chances of earning the role full time.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are facing the prospect of missing out on the Champions League. What that would mean for Rosenior’s future is less clear.

There’s little doubt, though, that there’s growing anger in the stands being aimed at anything and everything from the owners to the manager to the players.

The frustration was perhaps heightened because before kickoff, this felt like an opportunity for Chelsea. With Enzo Fernández back following his club suspension imposed by Rosenior, they were pitted against a depleted United side reeling from a home defeat to Leeds United on Monday.

With Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez suspended and Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt unavailable, Carrick could only field one center back in 19-year-old Ayden Heaven. He was joined in the center of defense by Noussair Mazraoui, usually a fullback, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, either side.

Chelsea hit the crossbar twice, had a goal ruled out for offside and had 21 shots. United survived, and it was down in large part to the performances of Heaven and Mazraoui, who engaged in a tired but joyful hug at full time.

It was only United’s second clean sheet in their past 22 league games away from home and a stadium where they had only won one of their previous 12 league visits.

“They were fantastic,” Carrick said of Heaven and Mazraoui. “Two fantastic players, and it was about giving them the confidence to commit to it and do their best. We gave them a bit of extra protection as a team.

“The boys took it on so well. I love when you see players thrive in those moments, that’s a tough place to come to.”

Carrick might not have many center backs, but he does have arguably the best player in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes was the chief creator again, setting up Cunha’s goal just before halftime. It’s now 18 assists for Fernandes this season, two short of the single-season Premier League record held jointly by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Cunha’s effort was United’s only shot on target, but when you’re playing against a team who don’t score, it’s all you need.

Chelsea have now lost three consecutive league games without scoring for the first time since 1998. Perhaps more worrying, they haven’t won a league game at Stamford Bridge since January.

With 15 minutes to go, the atmosphere turned toxic. Chants of “We want our Chelsea back” came from all four sides of the stadium, followed by songs aimed at co-owner Behdad Eghbali.

Before kickoff, around 1,000 fans protested the club’s ownership, a significant jump on the numbers for a similar protest in January.

“Tonight is a really difficult result to take,” Rosenior said after the match. “They’ve had one shot. We’ve had wave after wave of attacks. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to turn this around. We were dominant from the first moment to the last.

“It’s very frustrating. They’ve had one shot on target. I can’t remember another chance they’ve had. We know what needs to improve.”

The result leaves Chelsea sixth in the table and four points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Rosenior admitted he “doesn’t know” what missing out on the Champions League would mean for his future and the summer transfer plans. He is, though, well aware that it will be difficult to get into the top five from here with just five games left.

“It gives us a mountain to climb,” he said. “It’s not insurmountable, but it’s a mountain to climb.”

Carrick, understandably, was a lot more buoyant during his postmatch media duties.

While Chelsea are facing the prospect of a season without the vast revenues on offer in the Champions League, United are almost there. Third in the table, 10 points clear of Chelsea, they will be almost over the line if they can beat Brentford and Liverpool in their next two games.

“It was a big, important win for us tonight,” Carrick said. “Coming through the suspensions and the injuries and [Yoro] pulling out quite late and having to adapt. There’s a lot of things to be proud of tonight.

“The boys take so much credit for that, and the coaches, in terms of putting the plan together and adapting over the last couple of days and making sure everyone was in a good place.”

After what could turn out to be a pivotal night for the futures of both clubs and their managers, United are in pole position to return to the Champions League and Carrick has boosted his own chances of staying in the job. For Chelsea and Rosenior, it’s anything but.



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Woman’s cancer battle takes unbelievable turn when her dog gets same diagnosis

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Woman’s cancer battle takes unbelievable turn when her dog gets same diagnosis


‘My dog detected my cancer before doctors did’

Breanna Bortner’s dog, Mochi, began fixating on her breast before she was diagnosed with stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer, showing unusual and intuitive behavior throughout her journey.

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A woman who got a dog to support her through a breast cancer diagnosis was later shocked when the pet was diagnosed with the same disease years later.

Vickie Doogan, 52, from England, said her dog Dolly, a poochon, became her constant companion during recovery from her second cancer diagnosis, news agency SWNS reported.

Doogan was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 after noticing a dull pain and a lump under her arm, which doctors later confirmed was invasive breast cancer that had spread.

COMMON FRUIT FOUND IN AMERICAN KITCHENS MAY SLOW DEADLY FORM OF BREAST CANCER, STUDY SAYS

She underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation and was eventually declared cancer-free following an intensive course of treatment.

Doogan is pictured with her dog Dolly, who stayed by her side throughout her recovery from a second cancer diagnosis. (SWNS)

At 44, she was diagnosed again and underwent another round of treatment before opting for a double mastectomy after learning she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation, which increases the risk of breast cancer.

She got Dolly in 2018 while recovering at home, saying the dog provided comfort and companionship during a difficult period in her life.

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“She’s like my shadow,” Doogan said. “She’s the most perfect little dog.”

In February 2026, Doogan took Dolly to the vet for what she believed was an upset stomach, where a lump was unexpectedly discovered under one of the dog’s nipples.

Vickie Doogan sits with her small poochon dog, Dolly, who supported her through breast cancer treatment

Doogan and her dog Dolly (pictured), with the dog later diagnosed with a lump after a February 2026 check-up. (SWNS)

“The vet said she needed to have a mastectomy. I was so shocked,” Doogan said. “I didn’t even know dogs could have mastectomies.”

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Dolly underwent surgery to remove the cancer, which was determined to be low-grade and did not require additional treatment, allowing her to recover relatively quickly.

“She bounced back just as well as I did,” Doogan said. “People said it’s like she’s mirroring how I dealt with it.”

Vickie Doogan sits with her small poochon dog, Dolly, who supported her through breast cancer treatmenT.

Doogan and Dolly (pictured), both of whom recovered quickly following their surgeries. (SWNS)

Both Doogan and her dog are now cancer-free and focusing on moving forward after their shared experiences with the disease, SWNS noted.

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Doogan said she hopes their story offers encouragement to others facing a diagnosis and shows that recovery is possible.

“When I was first diagnosed, I was absolutely floored,” she said. “Chemo was brutal, but thankfully I responded well.”

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“Now I’m living my best life again,” she added. “I want people to know that although breast cancer is scary, you can still live a really full life.”

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. 



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Netflix documentary director on Hulk Hogan’s Trump support and the backlash that followed him to the end

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Netflix documentary director on Hulk Hogan’s Trump support and the backlash that followed him to the end


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In his final appearance for WWE, Hulk Hogan, undoubtedly the greatest wrestler in the history of the company, was booed.

By the time Jan. 6, 2025, his last appearance, had rolled around, Hogan became outwardly supportive of President Donald Trump, which turned off some of his followers.

“But he never expressed regret. He stood by who he was,” Brian Storkel, the director of Netflix’s upcoming documentary on the late wrestler, said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

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Donald Trump and Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, March 29, 1987. (Jeffrey Asher/Getty Images)

Hogan had done five days of interviews with Netflix, totaling 25 hours. However, he will not get to see the final product, as he died in July at the age of 71.

Long before becoming an outward Trump supporter, Hogan had been involved in some controversies. But from the jump, Storkel wanted to “humanize him and really get to know Terry Bollea, the person.”

“With all the subjects in my documentaries, I don’t like viewing people in black-and-white terms. Even if someone has done wrong, I don’t see them as purely good or evil. People are more complex than that, and that nuance is where the story becomes interesting,” Storkel said. “You need a subject willing to go there, reflect, and be open — and Terry was.”

Hogan began to be more public with his support for Trump after an assassination attempt in July 2024.

“He said he’d supported him quietly for a long time but felt embarrassed to wear the hat. He mentioned that the assassination attempt was what pushed him to speak out. Soon after, he was speaking publicly and took some backlash for it,” Storkel said.

Hulk Hogan speaking at the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum

Hulk Hogan speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (IMAGN Syndication: USA Today)

WWE STARS REVEAL WHAT MAKES WRESTLEMANIA SO SPECIAL: ‘IT’S THE SUPER BOWL OF PRO WRESTLING’

Ironically, the last time Storkel chatted with Hogan was right after an interview with Trump for the documentary.

“I was at the White House, just outside the West Wing, on a call with Hulk Hogan, which was the weirdest thing. It felt like one of those surreal moments you’d imagine as a kid — a made-up story you’d tell people. I had just spent time with Donald Trump, something Hulk Hogan had set up so I could interview him, and then I’m standing there talking to Hogan about it. He was so excited it had happened,” Storkel recalled.

“At that point, he was already in and out of the hospital after surgery, so that ended up being the last call I had with him.”

Storkel admitted that not much was different about the documentary following Hogan’s death from his original plans, outside of some late tributes and more time with his son, Nick. Storkel was doing interviews for the documentary at WWE headquarters in Connecticut the day Hogan died.

“There’s also a moment in the film where I say we’ll come back in a couple of months for another interview. He agrees and walks out of frame—and that ends up being the last time. It becomes a powerful moment because you realize that follow-up never happens,” Storkel said.

But no matter the case, Storkel felt a responsibility to tell the story of the greatest.

Nick Hogan and Hulk Hogan standing together backstage at Sony Studios in Los Angeles

Nick Hogan and Hulk Hogan during VH1 Big in ’05 – Backstage and Audience at Sony Studios in Los Angeles. (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

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“With every project, I want to be fair and accurate. Of course I want the people involved to feel good about it, but I won’t change the truth to make that happen,” Storkel said. “With Hulk, getting to know him personally made it more important to honor him properly. Yes, he was flawed and polarizing, but he was also a caring person with a big personality.

“I didn’t want his legacy reduced to a single label or judged solely on politics or past mistakes. My goal was to show the full human being. Regardless of how people feel going in, I think they’ll come away with a deeper understanding of who he was. I really valued getting to know him, and I hope the audience gets that same experience through the documentary.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





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A portrait of portraitist Michael Shane Neal

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A portrait of portraitist Michael Shane Neal


Michael Shane Neal, perhaps America’s greatest living portraitist, recently fulfilled a long-held ambition: to paint a living president. He talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about producing a portrait of former President Joe Biden. He also discusses “being in the zone” while painting a portrait; following in the footsteps of famed artists Everett Raymond Kinstler and John Singer Sargent; and becoming a TikTok fashion icon.



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UK police investigating if attacks on Jewish sites are work of Iranian proxies

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UK police investigating if attacks on Jewish sites are work of Iranian proxies


LONDON — British police said Sunday they are investigating whether a string of arson attacks. on Jewish sites in London are the work of Iranian proxies.

The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing the attacks on synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.

No one has been injured in the blazes, the latest of which caused minor damage to a north London synagogue on Saturday night.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.

“We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves,” she said.

“I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London,” she added.

Israel’s government has described Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, whose name means the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, as a recently founded group with suspected links to “an Iranian proxy” that has also claimed responsibility for synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

A blaze that damaged Kenton United Synagogue on Saturday night follows a series of blazes at Jewish-linked premises and an Iranian opposition outlet that are being investigated by counterterror police.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said on X that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.

“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attacks, and pledged that “those responsible will be found and brought to justice.”

London’s Metropolitan Police force said it has sent extra uniformed and plainclothes officers to northwest London after attacks in the past month on synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and a Persian-language media organization critical of Iran’s government.

The Kenton synagogue arson came a day after an attempt to ignite bottles of fluid outside the former offices of a Jewish charity on Friday night.

No one has been injured in any of the incidents. Several people, ranging in age from teens to people in their 40s, have been arrested and charged.

The same group also posted a video claiming Israel’s London embassy was going to be attacked with drones carrying dangerous substances. Police said the embassy was not attacked, but the force shut the nearby Kensington Gardens park on Friday as officers examined discarded items including two jars containing powder. Police said nothing harmful was found.

The U.K. has accused Iran of using criminal proxies to conduct attacks on European soil targeting opposition media outlets and the Jewish community. Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence service says that more than 20 “potentially lethal” Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the year to October.

Some security experts say Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia is likely a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.



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“Proof”: Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri make their Broadway bows

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“Proof”: Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri make their Broadway bows


They’re larger-than-life, and somehow on stage they still are. In “Proof” David Auburn’s Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Don Cheadle plays a mathematical genius with mental health issues; Ayo Edebiri plays his daughter, with issues of her own.

This is the first time they’ve ever worked together.

Edebiri said she was “very happy” when she was presented with the prospect of working with Cheadle: “He’s on, like, my Mount Rushmore of actors.”

Cheadle says the two share a father-daughter relationship off-stage: “I do check up and see what time she’s going to bed. And when she’s texting too late, I’m like, ‘Hey, we do have a show tomorrow!'”

The play centers on Catherine, a young woman who put her life on hold to care for her aging father Robert, a professor. 

Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri as a mathematics professor and his daughter in the Broadway revival of “Proof.” 

CBS News


The play involves what you take from your parents, and what you give to your parents. Asked if she’s thought about her own parents differently since acting in “Proof,” Edebiri replied, “Kind of hard not to. It’s a weird thing that we all go through that you don’t realize you’re gonna go through – when it changes and all of sudden you realize like, ‘Oh, now I’m taking care of my parents. Now my parent’s sort of my child.'”

“Proof” is a deep dive, but Edebiri is up for the challenge. She’d been a rising star in Hollywood for years, but her role in “The Bear” made her a household name. It also made her an Emmy-winner. 

In more than 50 films, Cheadle has played an astonishing range of characters, like a stone-faced attorney opposite Denzel Washington in “Flight.” He’s one of the “Ocean’s 11” crew, and he looked right at home in an Iron Man suit.

Asked if there were ever a moment when he thought his career finally had traction, Cheadle replied, “Tuesday! I mean, really, we have this every time you do the last thing, you’re like, ‘Well, that’s it!’ You don’t know that it’s just gonna keep happening, just ’cause it has been happening.”

He also played a real-life hero, a hotel manager during the Rwandan genocide, in “Hotel Rwanda.” He says he would’ve happily done anything to get that film made – even going so far as to tell the producers, if they got a more “bankable” star, he still wanted to be part of the project: “Yeah, absolutely. I was like, ‘I just want to be a part of helping to get it made.’ So yeah, I did tell him that. And thankfully, it came my way.”

“Hotel Rwanda” also scored him an Oscar nomination for best actor. “It’s great to be recognized,” he said. “I do this because I’m passionate about it and I want to be a part of it. Whatever happens after that happens, you know? … But I really hope I – !  Did that come out? Did you hear that? Did that come out of my mouth? “

For all of his years in show business, “Proof” is Cheadle’s Broadway debut, as it is for Edebiri, and for two of the show’s producers, Barack and Michelle Obama.

ayo-edebiri-and-don-cheadle.jpg

Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle. 

CBS News


Asked what it’s like to take the stage at the Booth Theatre, Cheadle said, “It’s like, ‘Here we go,’ you know? I feel like when we’re backstage, and we’re waiting for that cue light, and the cue light goes off, I feel like when you’re on the roller coaster, and it’s like [creeping up]. Then, we come out here, and it’s lights up, and it’s like whoosh!!! Here we go! I don’t know what’s gonna happen. We’re gonna see. Hopefully, I remember to say all the things I’m supposed to say, and don’t throw my scene partner, and that we have some magical experience.”

Now it seems Edebiri and Cheadle are so in-sync, that even in moments when there is no script, you still get the sense they’re family. 

Asked, “Now that you have this relationship, do you think that you’ll work together again?” they responded simultaneously:

Edebiri: “Not at all.”
Cheadle: “Kinda hope not.”

Perfectly timed! “There was no way that was gonna be any other answer than that!” Cheadle laughed.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Watch an extended interview with Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle (Video)



Extended interview: Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle

27:24

     
For more info:

      
Story produced by John D’Amelio. Editor: Lauren Barnello. 

In:



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Extended interview: Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle

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Extended interview: Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle


In this web exclusive, actors Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”) and Don Cheadle (“Hotel Rwanda”) talk with Tracy Smith about making their Broadway debuts in the revival of “Proof.” They also discuss their love of live theater, and the early roles that inspired their passion for acting.



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“Proof”: Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri make their Broadway bows

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“Proof”: Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri make their Broadway bows


Celebrated actors Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri are both making their Broadway debuts in a revival of David Auburn’s Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winner “Proof,” about a brilliant mathematics professor with mental-health issues, and his daughter with issues of her own. Cheadle and Edebiri talk with Tracy Smith about exploring the dynamics of a parent-child relationship, and how their off-stage relationship helps them on-stage.



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You don’t need an SSN to open a credit card: Scammers know that

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You don’t need an SSN to open a credit card: Scammers know that


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Some credit card issuers now approve applicants without a Social Security number. Instead, they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a passport or proof of income.

That makes it easier for more people to access credit, but it also changes how lenders verify identity. Instead of relying on one number, they now review a mix of personal details.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation says they received 1,008,597 internet crime complaints in 2025. Phishing and spoofing ranked among the most common. These scams collect small pieces of your personal information over time, including your name, address or date of birth.

HOW DEBIT CARD FRAUD CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT USING THE CARD

Scammers are using casual word games like Words With Friends to target older and grieving players, often turning friendly chats into costly gift card fraud. (Anastasiia Havrysh/Getty Images)

Each detail may seem harmless on its own. But scammers combine them to build a profile that looks real. That profile can pass basic checks and lead to accounts opened in your name.

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How lenders verify identity without an SSN

Lenders check new credit applications against credit bureau records. These records include your name, date of birth and address history.

Experian says it can use these details to find or build a credit file when an SSN is not available. Lenders also look for an existing credit file and recent activity.

If the details match what is already on file, lenders may approve the application. The decision depends on whether the profile looks consistent and believable. 

How scammers gather your information

Scammers rely on phishing and impersonation tactics to collect data over time. The FBI reports more than 190,000 phishing and spoofing cases in 2025.

A message may ask you to confirm your name or address. Another message may request part of an account number. Each interaction adds another piece.

Alone, the information does not seem useful. Together, it creates a complete profile. These are the same details lenders use to verify identity. Scammers then combine everything and apply for credit in one step.

Why fraudulent applications still get approved

Lenders approve applications by matching the details to existing records. They do not trace where that information came from. They focus on consistency. Many systems process applications automatically using credit bureau data. Each application usually creates a hard inquiry on your credit file.

If the details match and a credit file already exists, lenders may treat the application as legitimate. No step confirms that the person applying actually owns that identity. The Federal Trade Commission receives more than 1 million identity theft reports each year. Credit card fraud remains one of the most common types. Many cases involve new accounts opened with information that passed basic checks.

A woman holding a credit card next to an open laptop.

Massive data breaches at Equifax, Exactis, National Public Data and TransUnion exposed personal information that criminals later used for identity theft and financial fraud. (Nastasic/Getty Images)

How you might find out

You cannot see credit applications in real time. Most people only notice activity when it shows up on their credit report.

  • A hard inquiry appears when someone applies for credit. But you will only see it if you check your credit regularly.
  • New accounts usually appear after they are reported to credit bureaus. This often takes 30 to 60 days, depending on the issuer.
  • Sometimes, the first sign is a piece of mail. A credit card or welcome letter may be sent to the address on the application. If a scammer changed the address, you may never see it.
  • Others discover the issue when their credit score drops, or a new account appears on their report.

DO YOU KNOW THE TRUE COST OF IDENTITY THEFT?

Why timing works against you

By the time you see these changes, the account is already open. That gives scammers time to apply for more credit or start spending.

That delay is what makes this type of fraud so difficult to catch early. 

Here’s how to catch fraudulent accounts early

The only way to see this type of fraud early is to keep an eye on your credit file. These include:

  • New credit accounts
  • Hard inquiries from applications
  • New authorized users added
  • Changes to your name or address
  • New collections or delinquent accounts

Most people don’t check their credit regularly. Bank alerts can flag activity on existing accounts, but they don’t show new credit cards opened at a different bank. Those only appear once they are reported to the credit bureaus. You can also place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, which can block new credit accounts from being opened in your name. A fraud alert is another option that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new credit.

Credit monitoring services can track activity across all three bureaus and alert you when something changes. That gives you time to respond by freezing your credit, disputing the account or contacting the lender.

See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaways

Serious woman entering credit card information on phone while shopping online

A fraud attempt on a never-used debit card reveals a surprising way criminals can exploit card numbers digitally without physical access. (SDI Productions/Getty Images)

More lenders now approve credit cards without a Social Security number. That makes credit easier to access. But it also changes how identity gets verified. Lenders now match multiple pieces of personal information instead of relying on one number. That gives scammers more ways in. They can collect small details over time and use them together. This is why identity theft is harder to spot. You may not notice anything until a new account shows up on your credit report. By then, the damage may already be done. The takeaway is simple. Check your credit regularly. Set up alerts and limit what you share online. Fraud is no longer just about stolen numbers. It is about stolen identities built piece by piece.

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Is enough being done to stop scammers from using your personal information to open accounts, or is the system making it too easy for them to slip through? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.



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