Below, we are going to give you some tips on how to detect these early warning signs and help you act quickly to protect your identity. Among the signs of identity theft, which may show up much early, one is unauthorized financial activity on your account. This might come out as new lines or withdrawals from the checking account, or new accounts opened by your name without your permission, among other things.


If you stop receiving any important mail or statements from financial institutions or agencies of government, then chances are that an identity thief has been waiting for your mail or change of address without your consent.


If a credit card is denied for some unexplained reason, it may indicate that someone has used your identity to open up fraudulent accounts or had accumulated debt against your name, resulting in bad credit scores.


Regularly monitoring your credit score is important in detecting signs of identity theft. Where you notice a big reduction in your credit score without any explanation, then that should be an alarm, signaling fraudulent activity.


If you begin receiving collection calls or notices for debts that you do not recognize, it is a clear indicator that someone has been using your identity to take on debt fraudulently.


Reviewing your credit reports regularly can help you identify unauthorized inquiries made by lenders or creditors. If you notice inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, then that could mean someone has been trying to identify themselves using your identity.


How to Protect Yourself?

Monitor Your Financial Accounts: It is recommended that you regularly go through bank and credit card statements for any discrepancies or unusual activities. In the event of any discrepancy, immediately alert your financial institution.

Check Your Credit Reports: This can be done by contacting the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — for a free copy of your credit report and make a request for checking it for possible identity theft. If you find some fraudulent account, raise the red flag to the credit bureaus and freeze the account.

Be Vigilant with Personal Information: Guard your personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and financial account numbers. Keep the information safe if you would like to share information on the internet or over the telephone unless you know the person and the call or message has been initiated by you.

Contact the Police: If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, contact the local police department. For more detailed information, read the article on what are the early indications of identity theft and get the necessary protection from the Consumer Attorneys website (https://consumerattorneys.com/article/what-are-the-early-indicators-of-identity-theft).


Therefore, being able to recognize early warning signs of identity theft is an important defensive mechanism in protecting yourself from financial loss and psychological distress. By keeping vigilant over your accounts and credit reports and taking proactive measures to protect personal information, you can reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft. Remember, early detection is key, and do not hesitate if you suspect that your identity has been involved. With knowledge and vigilance, one can combat the threat of identity theft and guard his financial welfare.