Ten Signs You Might Be a Victim of Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information—like your name, Social Security number, or financial details—without your permission, often to steal money or commit other crimes.

You may not notice right away if you are a victim, but it’s important to recognize the warning signs as soon as possible to help limit the damage.
 

How Do Thieves Get Your Personal Information?

Identity thieves can get your personal info in several ways, such as:
 

• Stealing your wallet, purse, or bag, which might have your credit cards or IDs
• Taking your mail, especially bank statements or bills
• Hacking websites or companies where you have accounts

They might use your information to open new accounts, get benefits or bank access, or even pretend to be you if they get in trouble with the law.
 

What Are the Signs of Identity Theft?

Look out for these ten warning signs:

1. Unexpected Credit Cards or Statements

If you get bills or account statements for things you didn’t sign up for, someone else may have opened them using your name.

2. Being Denied Credit for No Reason

If you apply for credit and get turned down, your credit score may have dropped because an identity thief opened new accounts using your details.

3. Calls From Debt Collectors About Unknown Debts

If debt collectors call about loans you didn’t take out, tell them you’re a victim of identity theft. Provide proof if you have it, like a police or identity theft report.

4. Missing Bills or Bank Statements

If you normally receive your bills by mail and suddenly stop, someone might have changed your address. Thieves can steal mail to get your information.

5. Errors on Your Credit Report

Get your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see accounts or activities you don’t recognize, these could be signs of identity theft.

6. Unusual Charges on Your Credit Card

Small or strange charges can mean a thief is testing your account. Don’t ignore them.

7. Credit Card Company Calls About Suspicious Purchases

If your credit card company asks about large or odd purchases you didn’t make, it could be a sign someone is using your account. If you travel, protect your devices with strong passwords and up-to-date security software.

8. Someone Uses Your Social Security Number

If your Social Security benefits statement is wrong or you find out someone used your number for a job or benefits, call the Social Security fraud hotline at 800-269-0271.

9. Medical Bills for Services You Didn’t Receive

Getting bills for medical care you never got, or having insurance claims denied because your benefits are used up, may mean your identity is being used by someone else.

10. Tax Return Filed in Your Name

If someone files a tax return using your information before you do, they may get a refund that belongs to you. Try to file your taxes early and read the IRS’s advice on tax ID theft.

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