The Signs of Identity Theft
(Are You A Victim?)

To help you discover, early on, as soon as an identity theft has occurred, you should be monitoring your financial information.

Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen after much damage has already been done.

Here are some things to watch for that are likely signs that an identity theft has occurred:

Getting statements for accounts you didn't open
Having debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
Credit reports that contain fraudulent or inaccurate information on:
- Your personal information
- Your Social Security number
- Your Name, initials, and address
- Employer information.
Failure to receive bills or other mail. A missing bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your account and has changed your billing address.
Bill that don't arrive on time. Contact your creditors to see if there is a problem.
Receiving letters or phone calls from debt collectors or businesses about goods or services that you didn't purchase.
Being contacted by a bill collection agency about overdue debts you never incurred.
Being denied credit or being offered less favorable credit terms (like a high interest rate) for no apparent reason.
Receiving credit cards that you didn't apply for.
Learning that there are problems with your credit history that hold up the a loan when you apply for a mortgage or car loan.
Receiving a letter in the mail about:
- An apartment you did not rent
- A house you did not buy
- A job you never held.