How do I know if my identity has been stolen?
If you believe your identity has been stolen, there are a few key indicators that can help you first confirm, and then take the appropriate legal action. First, check your bank accounts or credit card statements for any unfamiliar activity or purchases; if you see any charges or withdrawals that you did not make yourself, there is a good chance your identity has been stolen. Additionally, you may want to pull your credit report and look for any new accounts that have been opened in your name without your authorization. You should also be wary of any suspicious emails or text messages claiming to be from your bank, or offering a “special” deal on certain products or services. Identity theft scammers will often impersonate banks or retailers in order to try and get their victims to share personal information. If you receive an email or text of this nature, do not click any links or provide any personal information. Finally, you may want to place a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This will alert lenders to the possibility of identity theft, and ensure no one can open a new account in your name without your authorization. If you have confirmed your identity is stolen, it is important to contact your bank and credit card issuers. You may need to file a police report and contact the Federal Trade Commission in order to make sure the situation is resolved. It is also a good idea to contact an attorney, who can advise you on the necessary legal steps to take.
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