7 Ways You Can Spot Identity Theft
Knowing what to look for when it comes to identity theft can save you from losing money and dealing with lots of stress. If you learn to recognize common signs of this growing crime, you can keep a bad situation from getting out of control.
The most important thing you can do if you suspect identity theft has happened to you is to report it right away. Waiting for more than just one clue is a big mistake. Start looking into suspicious activity immediately!
Missing Personal Checks
Keep an eye on those numbers in the top right corner of your personal checks. If you see a break in the check numbers printed in the right-hand corner, an identity thief may have gotten their hands on your checks. Notify your bank and have them stop payment on any missing checks. You can also choose to completely close your checking account and open a new one.
Remember to keep your personal checks in a safe location in the future. You can also have the phrase "Check Photo ID Before Accepting" printed in the upper left of corner of your personal checks. This will make it less likely that a forger will attempt to use any stolen checks. Most check printers on the internet offer several lines of personal information so there's plenty of room to add this security measure when you order checks.
Check Your Bank Statement
Look over your monthly bank statement and credit card statements for charges or payments you don't recognize. Do you notice any checks you don't recall writing? Was your credit card or debit card used to purchase something you don't remember purchasing?
These are red flags that you can only catch if you review your bank and credit card statements regularly.
Look at Your Credit Report
Get a copy of your credit report at least once every year. Check for accuracy and look for unfamiliar accounts or loans both active and cancelled that may be having an effect on your credit score. Another warning sign you may find through your credit report is inquiries into your credit from companies that you've never done business with.
You can receive your credit report from any of the three major credit agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Report any inaccuracies you discover to these agencies.
Examine Your Medical Records
If you get hospital bills for treatments you never received, or your health care provider asks you about an illness or issue you don't have - someone may be using your identity to get medical assistance or even health insurance coverage. A sudden increase in health insurance premium can be another sign of identity fraud.
Unexpected or Missing Bills
If you are expecting to receive a bill and it never shows up, it may have been stolen right out of your mailbox. Thieves can use bills to get your personal information and open up new lines of credit under your name. When bills don't show up - never assume you can get away without paying. Take action and contact the company to find out more.
The same goes for receiving bills or calls from a collection agency for items or services you have never purchased. Don't pay these bills. But don't ignore them either. Someone may be using your identity illegally.
Another clue of identity theft through the mail is getting a notification of mail redirection, which you never requested. Contact the post office right away to correct the situation.
Credit or Employment Denial
If you are unexpectedly denied a job or an application for a loan or credit card, but you are confident your credit is good, it may be a sign that someone has stolen your identity.
When a potential employer is first interested in you, but turns you down after running a pre-employment background check it could be a clue to identity theft problems.
Besides being denied credit you applied for, you may also get denied for loans or credit cards for which you did not apply. You may also get a credit card in the mail that you never requested. This is a sign that someone is attempting to use your identity to fraudulently open lines of credit.
Social Security Statement
Each year the Social Security Administrations sends you a statement showing your income and how much went to social security. If the statement shows you earned more money than you expected, someone may have used your Social Security number to get a job.
About the Author
Kasey Steinbrinck is a web content writer for online check printer Check Advantage. You can order business checks for much less than your bank charges. Visit http://www.checkadvantage.com/business-checks.html right now and save.
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here