Identity theft is a big problem these days. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 2 million Americans have filed complaints with them about this last year, making identity theft the number one consumer complaint.
Early detection of identity theft is possible and can reduce your potential losses. Here are six signs that you might have been affected - and how you can respond effectively
1 .. Your credit card is refused - If your credit or debit card gets denied for unknown reasons, does not reach you in your wallet to another piece of plastic. Call your bank to find out why. There are several reasons why a card can be folded and everyone deserves further consideration. There may be technical problems with the store or network. Sometimes, if you use a card in a different physical location from the usual, it will trigger an alert. There may also be technical problems with the network. Or, it could be a sign early on that something is wrong with your account. The bank will want to know exactly where and when the incident occurred so be prepared.
2. mysterious charges appear on your monthly bank statement - Before you pay your monthly bank statement, go through point by point. unknown factors may be a sign that your identity has been stolen and someone is misusing your account. On a less malevolent note, a clerk may have made a mistake, someone else might transpose an account number, or you just forgot where you used your card. Anyway you look at it, it is always good to know where your money goes.
3. You get strange letters on your taxes - If someone uses your identity - address, social security number - for a job, there will be a difference between income real you received and the income attributed to your identity. This can cause red flags appear on the IRS and they could send you questions about unreported income or the double filing tax returns.
4. Monthly bills do not show up at the usual time - Lack of regular bills is no sign of rejoicing. While your mail may have been merely delayed in transit, criminals have been known to change the details of your mailing account to hide their activities longer. Prevention is better than cure, give the bank a call.
5. You are too sick to your health insurer - You have somehow maximized your health coverage with disease and was charged for unknown treatment. The insurer says that you have a health problem that you have ever had. self care is denied because you are mysteriously over the limit.
6. Your credit score drop suddenly - Credit scores are calculated based on payment history, outstanding loans, credit history, applications new loans and loan types. If someone uses your identity to apply for a variety of new loans or credit cards and missing payments - it will knock your credit score
The simplest, cheapest to find your credit score by annualcreditreport.com .. This is the website set up by the three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and Trans Union - to give consumers their free credit reports under the terms of the Fair credit reporting Act (FCRA). Even without the threat of identity theft, it is a good idea to check this report on a regular basis and make sure the data is correct.
Yes, it is time for preventive care for your identity. Take a closer look at bank statements and your credit report is a step in the right direction. And careful handling of your personal information can prevent identity theft in the first place. Shred paper before throwing it in the trash and use a VPN like Hotspot Shield to keep your data private and secure online.
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