All too often a person's identity
has been stolen long before they learn they are a victim of identity theft.
Below are four signs that you may be a victim of identity
theft.
New accounts appear on your credit report Most
identity thieves will try to open new accounts, such as a credit card, in your
name. When this happens, your credit report reflects that a new "account" was
opened. Check your credit report on a regular basis so that you can see if
there are any unrecognizable accounts that were opened in your name. You are
entitled to one free credit report each year from www.annualcreditreport.com
There are unexplained withdrawals and charges on
your statements. Identity thieves can tap into your current
accounts by taking money from your bank account or making a purchase
with your credit card. Read through
your statements carefully and call your bank or credit card company if there
are questionable withdrawals or purchases.
You haven't received your bills, statements or
other important mail in a long time. Identity thieves sometimes
call your bank, credit card company or lender to change your mailing address.
This allows them to run up charges without you noticing for a while since you
are not receiving statements in the mail.
You've received calls from debt collection
agencies about products or services you didn't buy. Thieves can
use your personal information to apply for loans or a credit card in your
name. This usually leads to unpaid bills that a debt collection agency will
try to collect from you. Find out what you need to do when you receive a debt collection
notice
My
identity has been stolen. What should I do? 
