FTC Identity Theft Guide: What are the Signs?

The best way to detect identity theft is to monitor your accounts and bank statements each month and check your credit report on a regular basis. Stay alert for the signs of identity theft, like:

• Accounts you didn't open and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
• Fraudulent or inaccurate information on your credit reports, including accounts and personal information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials and employers.
• Failing to receive bills or other mail. Follow up with creditors if your bills don't arrive on time. A missing bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your account and changed your billing address to cover his tracks.
• Receiving credit cards that you didn't apply for.
• Being denied credit, or being offered less favorable credit terms, like a high interest rate, for no apparent reason.
• Getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you didn't buy.

Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done. Early detection of potential identity theft can make a big difference. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity by routinely monitoring the following personal information.

Your financial statements.
Monitor your financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking closely for charges you did not make. Store your financial statements in a secure location or shred before discarding them. You should also consider eStatements delivered securely through our online banking system. They are an easy way to protect your bank statements from Dumpster diving.

Your credit reports.
Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and how you pay your bills. The law requires each of the major nationwide consumer reporting agencies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these accounts are likely to show up on your credit report.

Once you get your reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that the information, such as your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed.

Credit monitoring services.
Consider using a service that will monitor your account activity and report any unusual or abnormal activities on a daily basis.

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, we have tools that may be able to help you through the process. Call our information center at 800.264.3613.