 Everyday due diligence is the best way for you to detect suspicious activity that may be the result of an identity theft.
- Review bank statements and credit card statements. Monitor your financial account statements for any unusual activity. Promptly report any unauthorized charges to the account provider.
- Check your credit report at least once a year. Everyone is allowed one free credit report per year from each of the three national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. By checking your credit report you can determine whether accounts have been opened in your name, without your knowledge. Also, you can check the accuracy of the report. You have the right to have inaccurate or obsolete entries removed from your credit report. To learn how to obtain your free credit report, please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt156.pdf.
- Receiving unexpected bills or collection calls. Getting an account statement for an account that you did not authorize is an indication that you may be the victim of identity theft. Likewise, getting collection calls from a creditor or debt collector regarding an account that you did not authorize is an indication that you may be the victim of identity theft.
- Not receiving expected bills or account statements. If your monthly credit card statement stops coming to your address, this could be an indication that someone has stolen your mail or changed your account statement mailing address. Promptly report this to the account provider.
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