Incomes Growing Faster than Debt in US
With millions of new cases every year, identity theft is an issue that is growing in prevalence. Those that are affected by identify theft could find themselves with fraudulent debt issues, a damaged credit score, and other negative issues. Since it can be such a significant problem, all people need to be on the alert for identity theft at all times. Here the top four indicators of identity theft.
Unknown Bank Charges and Withdrawals
One of the most significant indications that you are a victim of identity theft is if you notice that there are bank charges and withdrawals that you are not aware of. All people need to pay close attention to their bank accounts and credit cards on a regular basis. Nowadays, most banks will call you right away if they notice a strange charge pop up, but it’s still crucial that you keep an eye on your accounts.
Fortunately, through the use of online banking, this is easier to do than ever before. If you notice that there is a withdrawal from your checking account or charges to a credit card that you do not recognize, you should alert your bank immediately, as it could be a sign of identity theft.
Company Data Breach
Another sign of identity theft is if a company you do business with has been the victim of a data breach. When a company that you have bought a product or service from in the past gets hacked, all of your personal and credit card data could be vulnerable. If this occurs, you may want to cancel all of your cards and get replacements.
IRS Denies Tax Return
One of the biggest signs of identity theft occurs when someone files a tax return in someone else’s name. If you go to file your taxes in the spring and someone has already registered one in your name, your tax return could get bounced back. If this occurs, you will want to notify the IRS immediately. Otherwise, you could jeopardize getting your tax return and could face other penalties.
Fake Accounts on Credit Report
Ideally, everyone should pull a free credit report at least every few months. When you do this, you will get a glimpse of all open accounts. If you notice that there were recent inquiries or accounts opened in your name, you should contact these creditors immediately to have the accounts closed. You should also contact the credit agencies to have a freeze placed on your account.
Finding out that a third party has accessed your sensitive information can be troubling, but it is essential that you take action. The Illinois credit card debt attorneys with Benveniste Law Offices can provide the legal representation needed to regain control of your finances. Contact us today at 1-800-497-5358 for a free case evaluation.
About the author
Related posts
