Unlike the majority of other crimes identity theft may not become apparent for some time after the crime has taken place. Sometimes months or even years may pass before it becomes apparent that you have been a victim. However, there are some ways that you can reduce the likelihood of someone stealing your identity by recognising the signs of the ‘silent crime’.
Check all your monthly credit card and bank statements. If any charges show up that you don’t recognise then call your credit card company or bank and find out exactly what and where they are for. If the charges are unauthorised by you then you need to alert the credit card company or bank. You may need to close the existing account and open a new one.
If you start receiving credit cards or store cards in your name that you did not apply for, or letters about financial assets that you have no knowledge of such as properties, this could be a sign that someone is applying for credit or buying things in your name.
Check your credit report on a regular basis. You need to be look out for accounts that have been opened in your name and searches that have been done on your credit file from financial institutions that you don’t recognise. Contact these institutions and tell them that you did not authorise the accounts and that you want them closed and taken off your credit file, as well as the unauthorised searches.
If you suddenly start to be turned down for credit or loans, or offered unfavourable interest rates or credit terms when previously you’ve had no problems this is a bad sign. It’s likely that someone has severely damaged your credit rating by running up large amounts of debt in your name and then not paying the bills. Get hold of your credit report and check for unauthorised accounts and credit enquiries.
Mail fraud is on the increase. If you stop receiving your monthly bank or credit card statements or you are receiving them at irregular intervals then someone may be stealing your mail from the mailbox in order to defraud you. Contact your bank or credit card company to confirm that they sent you a statement and, if they did, report the mail missing with the post office.
It is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility that someone may steal your identity. But you can reduce the risk by being vigilant.