If you get a bill for an account you didn’t open…you might be a victim

September 16, 2010 – 9:56 am

In the past couple of years, there’s been a sharp rise in the number of victims of identity theft. One of the biggest issues among those victims is the cost in time and money that must be invested in recovery. The average victim spends about 21 hours and $373 trying to clear his name.

Early detection is key when it comes to fighting identity theft. The sooner you learn about a breach, the sooner you can take steps to prevent further damage. You should take the Jeff Foxworthy approach…you might be a victim of identity theft if…

• You get collection calls about accounts you never opened. These types of calls are often the first clue. By the time debt collectors call you, accounts have been open for several months. If you get a call, let the collector know the debt isn’t yours. Get a copy of your credit report to see if other accounts have been set up in your name, and place an alert on your credit report.

• Your credit report contains an account you didn’t open. If you notice an erroneous account on your report, don’t assume it’s a mistake. It could be ID theft. Work with the credit bureau to get it removed.

• You are denied credit. If you are denied credit and you know you shouldn’t have been, you are entitled a free credit report. Use it to figure out why you were denied or if you have become a victim of identity theft.

• Your credit report contains inquiries from businesses you don’t recognize. Unfamiliar inquiries are a sign of ID theft, so watch your report to see if any fraudulent accounts occur.

• Your credit card bills stop coming. Thieves can use change of address forms to reroute your mail to their address. If your bill suddenly stops coming, call your credit card issuer to confirm your statements are being mailed to the correct address. You should also take extra steps to be sure your mailbox is secure.

• Your credit card is missing. Report this to your card issuer as soon as possible.

• You get bills for accounts you never opened. If you get a bill that has your name on it but you didn’t open, contact the credit card’s customer service immediately. Let them know you didn’t open the credit card and that you suspect ID theft. Check your credit report also.

Be proactive. Check your credit report frequently and sign up for LifeLock. LifeLock will monitor for all credit and non-credit related threats to your personal information, and will notify you immediately if any threats are found. You can’t afford to not have this service. Call them today.

Receive 30 days free and get a 10 percent discount on enrollment with the LifeLock Promo Code “Defense.”

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