In a study conducted by the Javelin Strategy & Research on 2009, victims of identity theft are estimated to count up to 11.1 million adults. Alarmingly, this figure is 12% higher than the data collected on 2008. This dramatic trend certainly demonstrates the need for consumers to prevent identity theft and its onset.
Indeed, early detection is essential in controlling the damages brought by identity theft. It might not be easy especially with the sophistication of methods used by identity thieves to collect information. However, there are obvious signals that can indicate your likelihood of being a victim of identity theft.
One of most obvious warning signs you can get about being a victim of identity theft is when you identify in your credit report the presence of new accounts that are opened without your knowledge. When discovering this sign, it is absolutely necessary to contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) for them to establish a fraud alert on your account. Closing those fraudulent accounts by contacting credit card companies is also necessary.
Being denied for a new credit card account or a loan service perhaps also tells you that something can be wrong in your financial status. It is therefore important to immediately assess your credit history by requesting a credit report. With this, you will be informed of any irregularity in your credit card accounts.
Usually, victims of identity theft also receive phone calls from debt collectors. When you are informed about certain purchases that you have not made, it is essential to inform the collection agency right away that you did not authorize those transactions.
Another sign of identity fraud happens when you suddenly stop receiving credit card bills. This can happen when the identity thief established a change of mailing address for you not to receive a breakdown of the charges made in your credit card.
Identity theft protection is Rachel Jensen’s favorite topic. She loves to search and look for websites that fight against identity theft. One of her recommended websites is bestidentityprotection.net.
