You'll know your identity is stolen through signs like unexpected bills or debt collection calls, unfamiliar accounts or charges on credit/bank statements, denied credit applications, missing mail, or IRS notices for taxes you didn't file, indicating someone is misusing your personal information for financial gain. Regularly checking your credit report and statements for these red flags helps catch theft early.
Here's how to tell if identity theft has already happened:
How to tell if someone is using your identity
You can lock your Social Security number (SSN) primarily through the myE-Verify service to prevent its use in employment verification, or get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS to block fraudulent tax filings, but you cannot "freeze" your SSN entirely, so also consider freezing your credit reports with the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) for broader identity theft protection.
Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement.
To check if someone opened a bank account in your name, request free reports from checking account reporting companies. You should also monitor your credit reports monthly, as new bank accounts may appear there.
For example, if a customer offers a unique identifier such as a social security number and the SSN is already used by another customer, it is potentially a strong red flag or indication of possible identity theft or if a personal document looks fake, it also may represent a potential identity theft red flag.
Reviewing your credit report
Open credit accounts – Make sure you recognize all of the credit accounts that are open under your name. If there are accounts you don't recognize, this could be a sign that someone has opened a credit card, utility, or loan using your name.
To report identity theft, contact: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The three major credit reporting agencies. Ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts.
Here's how to tell if identity theft has already happened: Track what bills you owe and when they're due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address and may be misusing your information as an identity thief. Review your bills.
What to do if your Social Security number is on the dark web
The Taxpayer Protection Program will identify a suspicious tax return filed with your name and SSN and will send you a letter to let you know. The letter will ask you to verify your identity and tax return information.
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. If you suspect someone stole your personal information or identity, placing a credit freeze can help protect you from fraud.
Credit reports
Contact Canada's 2 major credit bureaus (TransUnion Canada and Equifax Canada) and request a copy of your credit report (there may be a fee). Review your reports to identify : accounts that you did not open. credit inquiries you did not initiate.
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
Do not routinely carry your SSN. Never say your SSN aloud in public. Beware of phishing scams (emails, internet links, and phone calls) trying to trick you into revealing personal information. Create a personal my Social Security account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
An extended fraud alert can be placed if you are a victim of fraud or identity theft. It requires a copy of a valid police or law enforcement agency report, or a Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report, and lasts for 7 years.
Yes, you should take steps to "lock" or protect your Social Security Number (SSN) by using free services like credit freezes and SSN locks (like E-Verify Self Lock), and by being cautious about sharing it, as this significantly helps prevent employment fraud, tax scams, and unauthorized access to accounts. While no single lock stops all identity theft, combining freezes, locks, monitoring your accounts, and limiting SSN disclosure offers strong defense against fraudsters using your SSN for loans, jobs, or benefits.
Locking your SSN is one of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft, and you can do it for free.
Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information
Merchants refuse your checks. Debt collectors call you about debts that aren't yours. You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report. Medical providers bill you for services you didn't use.
You'll know someone is using your information through red flags like unexpected bills or debt collection calls, unfamiliar charges on bank/credit statements, new accounts on your credit report, denied loans, rejected tax returns (due to someone else filing), mail going missing, or alerts about password resets/logins you didn't initiate. Regularly check your credit reports, bank statements, and monitor for IRS notices to catch identity theft early, and use resources like IdentityTheft.gov for help.