Warning signs of identity theft include unexpected bills/charges, missing mail, denied credit, calls from debt collectors for unknown debts, unfamiliar accounts on credit reports, IRS notices about multiple tax returns, or medical bills for services you didn't receive. These indicate someone might be using your personal information for fraudulent financial activity, tax fraud, or even medical fraud.
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.
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.
Here's a list of seven symptoms that call for attention.
If your identity was stolen:
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.
PRACTICES TO AVOID
If someone steals your SSN, they can use it to: Secure employment. Open bank accounts or obtain credit cards. Rent property or sign up for utilities.
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.
Criminals commit identity theft by stealing your personal information. This is often done by taking documents from your rubbish or by making contact with you and pretending to be from a legitimate organisation.
To check for loans in your name, get your free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and look for unfamiliar accounts or hard inquiries; also, monitor bank/card statements for unauthorized transactions and report any findings immediately to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. Key signs include new accounts, unknown loans, or inquiries you didn't authorize, indicating potential identity theft.
It's about following the “3 D's” of identity theft protection - Deter, Detect, and Defend. Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information. Shred financial documents before discarding them. Keep your Social Security number private; avoid carrying it or writing it on checks unless necessary.
Request a copy of your credit file to check for any suspicious credit applications. Report the theft of personal documents and suspicious credit applications to the police and ask for a crime reference number.
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.
5 ways to find bank accounts in your name