Telltale Signs You're a Victim of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that seems victimless to the criminals perpetrating it, and their victims often have no idea it has even happened until it's too late. They apply for a home loan and learn their credit has been ruined by crimes committed in secret months or years earlier. And worse, convincing others in the financial or business community that you were not responsible for the damages can feel almost impossible.

And that's why so many consumers are enlisting the help of identity theft prevention specialists to prevent identity theft before it happens. But what if you didn't become aware of the problem until after it happened to you? What are some of the signs that criminals have gotten hold of your personal information? Take a closer look at these:

• Oddball purchases - It's vitally important to read your account statements every month, no matter how frustrating and irritating it might be. Look over the purchases and make sure they're all accurate - some sinister identity thieves use accounts for small, $50 purchases every once in a while. Many consumers miss them. If anything appears awry, call your bank or credit card company immediately.
• Strange mail addressed to you - If you receive approval or denial letters for loans or credit cards you didn't apply for, you are very likely a victim of identity theft. Same could be true if you receive warranty statements on appliances or electronics that you didn't purchase. Hold onto the letters and call the police and the companies who issued the letters.
• Unusually empty mailbox - You know the pattern for receipt of your mail. You know, for instance, that the end of the month is when you receive certain bills. Well, if they don't show up, it's not a time for celebration, but a time to check with those companies to see if they have recently received a change of address. Or, all of your mail have been surreptitiously forwarded to another address by an identity thief. You might consider paperless billing and payments all online
• Declined loan or credit card notices - If you have a history of good credit, this is a definite red flag. So, if you've applied for a loan or a credit card that to date you know you would've gotten approved for, look into it. Call them up and ask why you were declined. You may have to wait until the reasons are sent in writing, but better safe than sorry. Call the police if you think your identity has been stolen.
• Inaccurate information on credit report - You are entitled to a free credit report every year. Request them and check them carefully for errors. First, this will help you identify dings against your credit. But secondly if the addresses for you are incorrect, especially addresses you've never lived at, you are likely a victim of identity theft. If you see an error report it right away to the authorities and to the credit card company or lender.