An aware person can identify signs that their identity has been jeopardized with just a little extra effort. If you regularly check and monitor your bank accounts as well as your credit report, you are already one step ahead.

When looking at your accounts, make certain that there arent accounts on charge cards that you didnt open or accounts that you cant explain. Often, one member of the family might set something up and forget to tell another. Just ask and know for sure. If you spot anything on your credit report that looks inaccurate - even amounts and personal information, it can be a sign. If you initial is wrong, theres misspelling that is usually right or anything out of the ordinary, check it out. Another sign is when bills dont arrive.
Thats an easy one to forget but if you are used to seeing a bill come in and it doesnt show up, check with the company to see if and where it was mailed. A missing bill might mean someone has taken over your account, and you want to know asap if thats the case. If you receive a credit card you didnt apply for, call the company and inquire about it. If youve got a great credit rating and you are suddenly denied credit or are offered a higher rate than is usual, check your credit report to see if someone else has been tampering with it. Be very cautious when a debt collector calls about something you know you dont owe or didnt buy. Often, it is a scam to get your personal information like a credit card number.

Too often, people dont know their identity has been stolen until it is too late. Just be aware and it is less likely to happen to you.

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