Signs that You're Already a Victim of ID Theft
A creditor informs you of an application for credit in your name and Social Security number that you never made, or that you’ve been approved or denied credit for which you never applied.
-You receive statements or bills for any type of credit, utility or other accounts in your name and address for which you never applied.
-A collection agency contacts you to collect on delinquent accounts that you never opened and never authorized.
-Unfamiliar charges on account statements, including your bank accounts, credit cards, loans, mortgage, calling card, utilities, other established credit or billing account statements.
-Your bank sends you an automatic insufficient funds notice or an overdraft funds transfer notice when you should have sufficient funds in your account for all debits, checks and payments you’ve made.
-An unusual or unexplained notice from a government agency, or state, county or federal tax notices may indicate your information was used to commit fraud involving a government agency, a federal or state assistance program or taxes.
-A visit from a police officer involving a criminal investigation or a warrant for your arrest for something you didn’t do.
-Service of summons to appear in court or lawsuits for actions you know nothing about.
-The amount of mail you typically receive is suddenly significantly reduced without explanation, or specific bills, documents or account statements are not received.
-An automatic credit report alert or your regular annual check of your credit reports informs you of recent negative changes in your credit report, unfamiliar account or unexpected credit activity.
Identifying Unauthorized Account Access and Mail Theft
Check your credit reports annually to identify problems, errors or possible identity theft.
-Check all of your credit card and bank statements monthly or more often for any errors or unauthorized purchases.
-Even if you still have your card, your account number may have been stolen.
-You don’t have to wait for your monthly statements to come in the mail.
-You can check your financial account statements more often online or via automated phone customer services.
-Check all of your bills and receipts including utility bills, were authorized by you.
-Look for monthly billing or other account statements, credit card replacements or other expected communications from your creditors or bank.
-Make a note to yourself about when credit or debit card replacements should arrive.