10/08/2021

BBB Tip: How to know if someone stole your identity

Better Business Bureau

Identity theft is stressful, and it can do tremendous damage to your finances. It’s important to recognize the signs early. The earlier you notice something is amiss, the faster you can take action to minimize the damage. BBB recommends the following tips to help you recognize the signs of identity theft as soon as possible.

Common Signs of Identity Theft

• You receive statements or bills in the mail for accounts you never opened. If you get a bill for an account you didn’t authorize, someone may have gotten a hold of your personal information and opened an account in your name. Contact the company immediately to find out if there’s been a mistake and check your credit report for unusual activity.
  
  
• You are surprised by being denied a loan or credit. You may think you have great credit, but if you apply for a credit card or loan and are shocked to find that you’ve been rejected, you may be the victim of identity theft. Thieves can open accounts in your name, run up the bill, and then default on payments, ruining your credit before you know what they’ve been up to. Check your credit report a few times a year to make sure no one has opened any credit accounts in your name.

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