Signs of Identity Theft
Detecting Identity Theft: Catch Theft Early To Minimize Loss
Early detection of identity theft is vital to minimizing losses. But what are the signs that you may actually be a victim?
The following situations could be the results of innocent errors, but it is important to treat them as threats and to search for their causes.
You should take immediate action if you:
- Receive phone calls or mail regarding accounts in your name that you did not open.
- Find unauthorized charges or debts on your account statements. Review your statements weekly or monthly to check for unauthorized charges.
- Fail to receive bills or new credit cards on time. Identity thieves often take over accounts and then change the billing address in order to delay the victim from recognizing the problem. If you aren’t receiving bills or statements on time, call your creditor or bank to see what is causing the delay.
- Receive credit cards that you did not apply for.
- Receive calls from creditors or debt collectors demanding payment on past due purchases that you did not make.
- Are suddenly denied credit for reasons you are not aware of.
Most importantly, take action if:
- Your credit report contains inaccurate information about your personal identity or personal financial information. This may include open accounts, debts, or incorrect addresses, social security numbers, past employers and names.
If you do find inaccurate information on your credit report, don’t fret too much.
There are ways to get the information removed, but it can be a timely process.
To get started, call the credit bureau with which you found incorrect information, or visit their web site for information on how to report credit fraud.
It may seem like this is a lot to watch out for. That’s because it is a lot, especially with so many distractions and responsibilities in every day life.
For this reason, you should try to eliminate excess clutter in your life by doing things like removing yourself from junk mail lists and call lists.
The less information you have coming in, the less you have to sift through and worry about.
The safety and protection of your identity lies in your hands. Therefore, it is crucial that you are acutely aware of the signs of identity fraud.
Make a conscious effort to review your financial statements and credit reports.
Write a reminder down in your calendar if you need to, and be sure to take action against any threats right away in order to minimize your damages before they worsen.
 |
Life Lock | Intelius | Equifax | protect your id | free credit report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud Alert |  |
 |
|
|
|
| Identity Theft Guarantee | $1,000,000 | $25,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 | |
| Free Credit Reports | |
|
|
|
|
| 24/7 Phone Support | |
|
|
|
|
| Junk Mail Opt-Out | |
|
|
|
|
| Lost Wallet Protection | |
|
|
|
|
| Covers Children | |
|
|
|
|
| Price | Adults: $9/Month Kids: $2/Month |
$9.95/Month | $14.95/Month | $6.66/Month | $12/Month |
| Coupon: | First 30-Days Free! | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Our Review | Read Our Review | Read Our Review | Read Our Review | Read Our Review | Read Our Review |
| Purchase |
 |