How to Tell if Your Identity Has Been Stolen

Most people are aware that identity theft has become a major issue in American life, but few know precisely how an identity thief steals your personal information. Identity theft occurs when someone gains access to your personal information then uses the data for their own financial gain. Here are key indicators that your identity has been stolen:

Unauthorized charges on your financial statements

This is the most common form of discovering that you have been a victim of identity theft: finding unexplained withdrawals or unauthorized charges on your bank and credit card statements.

Being turned down for a credit card

If you know that your credit is in good standing but you receive notice that you have been turned down for a new credit card, identity thieves may have opened new credit accounts in your name, made charges to them, and never made any monthly payments. This results in an increase of reported late or missed payments on your credit report which lowers your credit score and makes it less likely you’ll be approved for additional credit. It can also result in having too many open accounts which may also lower your credit score and end in rejection of new credit requests.

You don’t receive your regular bills

If bills and other mail you normally receive on a regular basis don’t arrive on schedule, an identity thief may have changed the billing address on your accounts so he or she will receive your financial statements. You should contact your bank and credit card companies immediately to verify that they have your correct address.

You receive calls from a collection agency

Collection agencies only contact people who have failed to meet their repayment obligations. If you always pay your bills on time but are receiving calls from a collection agency, someone else may have left an account open in your name and you are suffering the consequences.

Unauthorized purchases on your accounts

Unauthorized purchases could be the result of identity theft, so it is essential that you find out how these purchases were made, and who signed for them. Your bank and credit card companies have procedures in place to investigate any fraudulent charge to your account and take any required action to find identity thieves.

Identity theft protection services:

• IdentityTruth
- IdentityTruth protects your entire identity, going beyond credit. Advanced technology analyzes data, pinpoints potential fraud, and helps you minimize your risk.


• LifeLock Identity Theft Services
- LifeLock provides a proactive identity theft service, specializing in the prevention of identity theft rather than the reporting of it.


• TrustedID
- TrustedID’s® mission is to proactively protect consumers against identity theft, especially as identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. Our innovative flagship product – IDFreeze® - stops identity theft before it ever happens.