My identity has been stolen - now what?

If you’re concerned that your identity has been stolen, there are several warning signs to watch for. Identity theft can manifest in various ways, so being aware of unusual activity related to your personal information is key. Here are some common indicators:

1. Unfamiliar Charges on Your Accounts

  • Bank Statements: Check your bank and credit card statements for transactions you don’t recognize. Even small, seemingly harmless charges could be a test run by thieves.
  • Credit Card Fraud: Receiving bills for credit cards or loans you didn’t apply for is a major red flag.

2. Credit Report Changes

  • New Accounts: If there are new accounts or credit inquiries on your credit report that you didn’t initiate, someone may have stolen your identity to open lines of credit.
  • Credit Score Drop: A sudden and unexplained drop in your credit score might be due to unpaid debts or missed payments on fraudulent accounts.

3. Missing Bills or Mail

  • Unreceived Bills: If your usual bills or bank statements stop arriving, thieves may have changed the mailing address tied to your accounts.
  • Unexpected Mail: Receiving mail related to unfamiliar financial accounts or government benefits can be a sign of identity theft.

4. Notifications of Breaches

  • Breach Alerts: You may receive a notification from a company, financial institution, or government agency that your personal information was exposed in a data breach. Take these alerts seriously.

5. Debt Collectors Contacting You

  • If debt collectors reach out regarding debts you don’t recognize, it could be that someone has taken out loans or credit in your name.

6. Issues with Tax Returns

  • Rejected Tax Return: If the IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or you receive a notice about income from an employer you’ve never worked for, it could be identity theft.

7. Unfamiliar Medical Bills

  • Healthcare Fraud: If you receive bills for medical services you didn’t use, or your health insurance denies legitimate claims because you’ve “exceeded your benefits,” it could indicate that your identity was used to access healthcare.

8. Problems with Government Benefits

  • Unemployment Fraud: If you’re denied government benefits like unemployment because someone has already claimed them in your name, this could be a sign your identity has been compromised.

9. Unusual Two-Factor Authentication Requests

  • Receiving unexpected texts or emails asking for two-factor authentication codes, especially if you’re not trying to log in to any accounts, could mean someone is attempting to access your online profiles.

10. Denial of Credit

  • Being denied for credit cards or loans when you have a strong credit history is another indicator that fraudulent activity may be affecting your creditworthiness.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Identity Theft

  • Check Credit Reports: Obtain your credit reports from the major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and review them for errors or unfamiliar accounts.
  • Contact Your Financial Institutions: Report suspicious activity to your bank or credit card company immediately.
  • Place a Fraud Alert: Request a fraud alert on your credit report to warn potential creditors to take extra steps to verify identity before extending credit.
  • File a Report: Submit a report to your local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov.

Being proactive about monitoring your accounts and credit can help you detect identity theft early and take action to limit its impact.