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Billing Warning Signs of Identity Theft
Signs of identity theft can come in different forms. They can appear
as bank statements from unknown accounts, credit reports with cards
or loans you don't know about, or calls from a collection agency
looking for money you don't recall owing. All tips can lead to
financial ruin and may tarnish your name because you were a victim
of identity theft.
The first sign of identity theft could be a change in your billing
cycle. When your bills stop arriving on schedule, you need to find
out why. Contrary to popular belief, not all the criminals working
to steal your name and money use online identity theft. You need to
be concerned when there's a change in your billing cycle.
Find out what's going on. Call the credit card company, the gas
company and all the other companies whose bills are late. Keep in
mind that bills are never sent out late. You should always be sure
of your billing dates to lessen the possibility of identity theft
victimization.
Contact the post office. You should let them know you feel you might
have been the victim of identity theft through stolen mail. Offer a
list of missing bills and let them know when the bill should have
arrived at the post office.
In today's society, it pays to monitor your bills and statements.
Now that consumers have the option of banking online, it's easier to
keep an eye on anything irregular to see the immediate effects of
online identity theft.
A more serious sign of identity theft could involve having your
credit denied for a large purchase. The best way to minimize fallout
from identity theft is to review your credit card and bank
statements monthly and to check your credit report at least
annually.
If you begin to receive credit card statements in your name that you
don't recognize or if you notice any unauthorized changes to your
account, contact your credit card company and the credit bureau
immediately to begin an investigation. Taking fast action is
necessary to making sure you aren't financially ruined by fraud.
Just because you've become a victim of identity theft doesn't mean
you have to remain a victim.
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