Signs your identity may have been stolen

If you know that your personal information has been accessed or otherwise tampered with there are steps you must take to stop the thieves and try to repair the damage.

It is important to stay alert to signs that your information is being used without your consent even when you don’t suspect you’ve been a victim.

Staying alert to these signs will help you respond quickly if your identity has been stolen:

• Unfamiliar charges or withdrawals - Always check your bank and credit card statements and make immediate inquiries to unfamiliar charges and withdrawals.
  
  
• Missing mail - If your bills and other mail have gone missing a thief may have broken into your mail box or had your mail redirected to a new address by filing a change of address report at the post office.
  
  
• Calls from Creditors -  If you are being contacted by creditors you did not do business with you need to take immediate action to find out who has.
  
  
• New Credit Cards - Receiving new credit cards or bills that you didn’t sign for is a danger sign that your identity may have been stolen.
  
  
• Denial of Credit - Sadly, the first sign that you are the victim of identity theft is a denial of credit.  Unexplained refusal of credit requires investigation on your part. You need to get access to your credit report right away.