When someone robs you in person, then you certainly know that it has happened. However, when someone steals your identity, they could use your information for months, or even years before you recognize that your identity has been stolen.
In order to help protect yourself, look for these warning signs, which indicate that you have become a victim of identity theft.
Sign #1: Bills Do Not Arrive on Time - You should know when to expect your bills, as most of them come at the same time each month. However, if you have not received a bill that you expect, then someone might be stealing your identity. One of the ways that thieves gather information is by stealing bills from your mailbox. Billing statements often list most of the information that a thief needs to open a new account or begin charging purchases to your current accounts.
Sign #2: Missing Checks - Your checks also contain valuable information, such as account numbers, phone numbers, and addresses. A good identity thief can use this information to open new accounts or gain access to the account that you currently use. If you find that there are checks missing from your checkbook, then someone might be stealing your identity.
Sign #3: Turned Down for Credit - If you are turned down for a credit account, but you think that your credit rating is good enough for you to have received it, then someone might ruining your credit.
Sign #4: Debt Collectors Contact You - If debt collectors contact you about accounts you do not have, or accounts that are in good standing, then someone might be using your identity. An identity thief may be opening new accounts in your name, or using your existing accounts to make purchases. Either way, your credit rating is at risk.
Sign #5: You Get Credit Cards You Did Not Apply For - If someone has applied for a credit card in your name, then it might come to your home. If you receive a credit card that you know you did not apply for, then you can reasonably assume that an identity thief is in the woodwork. This person could be using other accounts with your identity as well.
Sign #6: Accounts Show Unknown Activity - If you receive account statements that have activity that you did not make, then it is possible that an identity thief has entered into the picture. You should contact your credit card company immediately to rectify the situation, as well as determine from where the charges were made.
Protecting your identity is critical to maintaining your financial health. By keeping an eye out for these indicators, you might be able to spot signs that your identity has been stolen. If it has been stolen, then you need to take action immediately. The sooner you recognize that your identity has been stolen, the easier it will be for you to repair any of the damage that the thief has done to your credit history.
