How to Detect Identity Theft

With all of the concern and conversation regarding identity theft over the past decade, you may be left confused and wondering what you can do to detect it before it becomes a life-altering problem.  Identity theft can rock you to the core, and take years to dig your way out of. Let us help you learn how to detect and monitor fraudulent activity.

A smart defense strategy is to monitor your credit reports regularly, and to keep a close eye on your accounts and bank statements monthly as a preventative measure against having your identity stolen. 

Signs of identity theft include, but are not limited to:

• Appearance of accounts you did not open
• Debts on your accounts that you did not incur
• Fraudulent or inaccurate information appearing on your credit reports
• Fraudulent or inaccurate information on your personal accounts
• Failing to receive bills or other items in the mail.  A missing bill could indicate that an identity thief has taken over your account and changed the billing address to cover their tracks.  Should you suspect this, contact your creditors and inquire when the last bill was mailed and to what address.
• Receiving credit cards or other items that you did not apply for could also indicate identity theft.
• Receiving calls or letters from debt collectors or companies about items or services you did not purchase
• Being denied credit, or being offered less favorable credit terms such as a high interest rate, when this is unusual for you
• Unfortunately, the most common way people discover their identity has been stolen is after the damage has been done.  Here are some ways victims find out the hard way:
• Receiving mail about an apartment never rented, a house never purchased, or a job never held.
• Being contacted by collection agencies regarding overdue debts you never incurred.
• Some victims find out their identity has been stolen when they apply for a mortgage or auto loan, and discover that problems with their credit curtail the process.

Early detection is only possible through monitoring your personal accounts and credit reports regularly. It is always ideal to catch suspicious activity before the issue worsens, damaging your life further and creating hours upon hours of painstaking detective work.

Watch your bank and other accounts for purchases you did not make. Your credit reports contain information about you, including sensitive details like what accounts you have and how you pay your bills.

The law requires every major nationwide consumer-reporting agency to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, every year (*note that you must request it, they will not simply send you one).

We recommend you order a copy of your credit reports and scan them for unusual activity, and malicious behaviors. Once you receive your reports, review them carefully, looking for inquiries from companies with whom you are unfamiliar, accounts you didn’t open, and debts you are unable to explain.

Check the credit reports that are in your name to ensure your social security number, address (es), name, initials, and employers are correct. If you discover fraudulent information on your reports, you will need to have it removed, which can be a time-consuming hassle. Read 7 Things to Do If You Become A Victim of ID Theft to learn about what to do if you do discover false information on your credit reports.

Remember that it is vital to act immediately to remove false hits on your reports, and to preserve your good name. This website is intended to act as a source of information and aid for both victims of identity theft and to prevent future victims.