When it comes to identity theft and fraud, there are a nearly endless number of ways you might be targeted. For example, a criminal with enough of your personal information may be able to file a tax return in your name, take out a payday loan, or even take over accounts you have, changing your contact information to some other mailing address they control.
Another type of fraud takes place when thieves open a credit card account in your name, and it’s easy to see why this could be so detrimental to your finances and your credit. Fortunately, you do have rights, and there are some steps you can take to find out if someone opened a credit card in your name, and even to prevent this from happening altogether.