One of the scariest aspects of ID theft is that you're being robbed of your name – and you don't suspect a thing. There are, however, some tell-tale signs that you may be an identity fraud victim. If you're aware of these potential ID theft warning signs, you may be able to prevent your financial future from becoming completely ruined. As you'll read, some signs of ID theft are subtle and others are more obvious.
FACT: 28 percent of identity theft victims whose theft experience involved the misuse of an existing credit card said that their credit cards had either been lost or stolen. (about.com)
Here are some ID theft warning signs to keep in mind, so you can protect yourself:
- Your monthly credit card and bank statements suddenly stop arriving. Pay attention to when you normally receive bills and statements.
- You are denied a credit card for no apparent reason. Your credit history may have been damaged by a case of ID theft with which you were unfamiliar.
- You begin receiving bills from stores where you've never shopped. Someone may be shopping in your name.
- You get calls or visits from credit collectors on debts you didn't incur.
- You see unauthorized charges on your credit card, long distance, or bank accounts. This is often a result of stolen mail.
- You notice checks missing from your checkbook.
- Your credit report shows accounts you did not authorize or accounts that have turned over to collection agencies even though you have been paying your bills on time.
- A collection agency contacts you regarding payment on an account that isn't yours or you no longer have.
- You apply for a mortgage, car loan or other form of credit and are turned down. Unauthorized debts from an ID theft could have occurred.
