Identity Theft Update - Preventing and Coping with Identity Theft


How to Tell If Your Identity Has Been Stolen

Identity Theft is a Serious and Costly Crime If an identity thief is opening new credit accounts in your name, these accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. It is wise to order a credit report at least once a year to look for any suspicious activity. You can order a copy of your credit report from the three nationwide consumer reporting companies.

If you have lost any personal information – or if it has been stolen – you may want to sign up for a credit report subscription service and check all your reports monthly for the first year.

Monitor the balances of your financial accounts on a regular basis. This includes all bank accounts, credit card accounts, brokerage accounts, and anyone else with which you do business. Actually read all statements and look for unexplained charges or withdrawals.

Other indications of identity theft can be:

  • failing to receive your bills or other mail. This could mean an identity thief has submitted a change of address or is stealing your mail.
  • receiving credit cards for which you did not apply.
  • denial of credit for no apparent reason.
  • receiving bills for purchases you did not make.
  • failing to receive an expected new or replacement credit card or a shipment of blank checks.
  • receiving calls from debt collectors or companies about merchandise or services you didn’t buy.
  • if your car was broken into and personal information was taken such as your registration or proof of insurance.

Next Section -- Why Credit Reports are Important and How to Get One > > >


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Disclaimer - This site is intended to help you and is for general informational purposes only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein. By visiting this site you agree to use any information contained herein at your own risk. If you feel you have been a victim of identity theft contact the affected financial institutions, the credit bureaus, and the authorities immediately. Privacy Policy