Information on red flag identity theft rules
Information on red flag identity theft rules
Identity theft is a criminal activity in which an individual may assume your identity and use it to commit or abet illegal activities. The person steals your personal identification information and sells it online or uses it himself for criminal purposes. Some of the ways through which a person may acquire your personal information include going through your trash to get your financial records, eavesdropping on your conversations when you are giving out personal information, or watching you as you enter your ATM PIN number or credit card number. Some of the red flags that may indicate to you that someone may have stolen your identity include: You receive charges on your credit reports for companies that you have not transacted with. This is an indication that someone has transacted some business using your card. Please report the matter immediately. You may be billed for a credit account that you have no knowledge about. In this case, a fraudster may have opened an account and provided your address as the billing address. Your credit card statements may reflect charges that you did not approve of. Again, this shows someone has been using your credit card without your knowledge. Sometimes, you might experience a delay in receiving your credit card statements or bills like you normally do. A fraudster may have stolen your statements with the aim of getting your financial information. Another sign is if your bank statements show transactions that you did not initiate or approve of. A collection agency may give you a call about an account that you never opened. This usually happens when someone has opened an account in your name. As a result, all charges that the account accrues are billed to you. A business firm or company may contact you about a product you never bought. This is a case of credit card theft. Someone is using your credit card for his own transactions. Report the crime immediately You may be denied credit and you realize that your credit reports show transactions that you did not undertake. Fraudsters usually still your credit card information and make transactions with the information. This is later billed to you. If you notice any of the above red flags, do not panic. Just because you have noticed one of them does not mean you are a victim of identity theft. An explanation may be available for a red flag. Make sure you enquire about it immediately.










