Signs of Identity Theft
Identity theft crimes run rampant in our age of technology. There are many steps that you can take to avoid becoming a victim of this crime, including knowing the signs of identity theft and when to seek help.
Your personal information is just as if not more valuable than many tangible items in your possession. There is a high demand for personal information on the dark web today. If your information lands there, for whatever reason, the results can be disastrous. Whether identity thieves find your personal information through a data breach or more other methods, once they have your personal information, your identity, finances, and reputation are at risk. If you know your identity has been stolen or suspect your personal information has been compromised in some way, do not procrastinate. The longer you wait to call experienced Santa Ana identity theft attorneys, the worse your situation could become.
How Do You Know if Your Identity has been Stolen?
Being able to recognize the signs that your identity might have been stolen is one of the first steps in preventing its consequences. If you do not recognize any of these signs, you will not be able to proactively protect yourself or hire Santa Ana identity theft lawyers to help you.
The most common signs that your identity has been stolen are:
- Unauthorized Debit and Credit Charges – Watch your bank and credit card statements for any charges you do not recall or did not authorize. Even small unauthorized charges on your credit or debit cards can be a sign of trouble. Criminals sometimes make several small charges to your accounts to determine if the account is active and the charges will go through.
- Changes to Your Credit Report – It is crucial that you keep an eye on your credit reports. Some experts recommend checking them as frequently as every month or quarter. When checking your reports, look for any credit accounts that you did not open or inquiries into your credit report that you did not authorize. Any suspicious activity should be looked into further by the credit bureaus, law enforcement, and your Santa Ana identity theft attorneys.
- Missing Bills or Receiving Unfamiliar Bills – Identity thieves sometimes steal an individual’s identity by first changing their mailing address. If you suddenly stop seeing your bills come in the mail, it should be a red flag. By having your mail sent to a different address, these criminals can get more information about you that allows them to open new lines of credit in your name. Likewise, they can also open new accounts in your name using your correct address, which would cause you to receive new and unfamiliar bills at your own address.
Questions about Identity Theft? Our Experienced Santa Ana Identity Theft Attorneys Can Help
Identity thieves have many ways to commit fraud, including running up charges on your credit card, opening new lines of credit, or even getting medical treatments using your identity. The sky’s the limit for these criminals. If you notice any signs of identity theft, time is of the essence. Schedule your legal consultation today with the experienced Santa Ana identity theft lawyers at Hess & Nghiem. Call (657) 333-5726 or connect with us online today.
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