Ten Signs That Your Identity Has Been Stolen

Identity theft is a serious crime that can lead to significant financial and personal distress. It can take various forms, including credit card fraud, medical identity theft and tax fraud, among others. Recognizing the signs of identity theft early is crucial in limiting the damage and taking swift action to recover. While no single indicator can definitively confirm that your identity has been stolen, several warning signs may suggest that something is wrong.

Here are ten signs that your identity may have been stolen, and how you can respond if you notice them.

1. You’re Locked Out of Online Accounts You Didn’t Change

One of the more unsettling signs of identity theft is being locked out of online accounts you previously had access to. If you suddenly find yourself unable to log into your social media profiles, email accounts or online banking, and you haven’t changed your password, this could indicate that someone else has gained access to your accounts.

Disclaimer: This isn’t a concrete sign that your identity has been stolen, but it is a common indicator. Hackers may change passwords, lock you out or even delete account recovery options as a first step in using your account for malicious activities. If this happens, try resetting your password immediately and ensure that you enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance your security going forward.

2. You Find Open Lines of Credit or Accounts You Didn’t Open

If you find new lines of credit or loans on your credit report that you did not open, this is a major red flag that your identity might have been compromised. Thieves often use stolen personal information to open new credit cards, loans or lines of credit in your name.

To monitor for these changes, regularly check your credit reports through all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. By law, you’re entitled to one free credit report annually from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com.

If you find unauthorized accounts, contact the credit bureau immediately to report them and dispute the entries.

3. You Receive Letters Regarding Accounts You Didn’t Open

Receiving letters from creditors or banks about new accounts opened in your name that you didn’t authorize is another sign of identity theft. These letters may come from financial institutions or collection agencies notifying you of account activity, payments due or even missed payments.

If you get a letter like this, don’t ignore it. Contact the company directly to report the fraudulent account. Ask them to close the account and dispute any charges. Make sure to keep detailed records of all communications related to the fraud.

4. You Are Denied Services or Benefits Because Records Show You’ve Already Signed Up

Imagine trying to apply for a service, government benefit or loan, only to be told you’ve already signed up or filed for it. For example, you might be denied federal or state benefits, or find out that someone has used your personal details to apply for student loans, file taxes or even apply for a ride-sharing job in your name.

This is often an indication that someone has used your identity to gain access to services or money in your name. If this happens, report the incident to the agency or service provider. Additionally, the ITRC can help you navigate the next steps to protect your identity and recover your information.

5. You Are Denied Employment or Housing Due to a Criminal Record You Don’t Have

If you are denied employment, housing or other opportunities because of a criminal record you don’t have, it may be a sign that someone is using your personal information to commit crimes. Identity thieves sometimes open accounts or even engage in illegal activities under the stolen name, which can lead to a criminal record.

To address this issue, you will need to request a copy of the criminal record to verify any discrepancies. You may need to work with local authorities and possibly a legal expert to clear your name.

6. You Receive Medical Bills for Services You Didn’t Use

Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to receive healthcare services in your name. If you receive medical bills for treatments or services that you didn’t receive, or if you see diagnoses in your medical record that don’t belong to you, this could be a sign that your health insurance details have been stolen.

To resolve medical identity theft, contact your healthcare provider or insurer immediately. Report the fraudulent services and ask them to correct the record.

7. You Receive a Tax Statement from an Employer You’ve Never Worked For

Another sign of identity theft is receiving a tax statement (like a W-2) from an employer you’ve never worked for. Criminals sometimes use stolen identities to gain employment and file fraudulent tax returns. If this happens, it can lead to delays in your legitimate tax filing and possible financial complications.

Report any suspicious tax documents to the IRS immediately. They can help you confirm whether someone has used your identity to file taxes and guide you on how to prevent further issues.

8. You Are Unable to Obtain or Renew Your Driver’s License Due to Activity in Another State

If you attempt to renew your driver’s license or state ID but are told that activity in another state is preventing the process, this is a major warning sign. Identity thieves sometimes use stolen personal information to apply for licenses in states where the victim has never lived.

To resolve this, contact the state DMV and report the issue. You may need to provide proof of your identity and request that they cancel any fraudulent driver’s licenses issued in your name.

9. You Receive Collections Calls or Notices for Accounts You Didn’t Open

Receiving collections calls or notices for accounts you didn’t open is one of the most common ways identity theft presents itself. Scammers may also use this tactic to target you by posing as debt collectors. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially if the collector doesn’t have any specific information about the account they are calling about.

While these calls could indicate that someone has opened fraudulent accounts in your name, be aware that some of these calls could also be part of a scam. It’s important to verify the legitimacy of the caller. If you’re unsure, ask for written documentation and do not give out personal information over the phone.

10. The Contact or Financial Information in Your Accounts Has Been Changed

A more subtle, but concerning, sign of identity theft is when the contact information or financial details (such as a mailing address or bank account information) associated with your accounts have been changed without your consent. This may include changes to your billing address, email address or phone number, making it more difficult for you to receive important account notifications.

To safeguard against this, regularly monitor your accounts and credit reports for any discrepancies. If you spot unauthorized changes, immediately contact the company and secure your account with updated, verified information.

What to Do If You Suspect Identity Theft

If any of these signs apply to you, it’s important to act quickly. Here are some steps to take:

• Contact your financial institutions to report suspicious activity and freeze accounts as needed.
• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent further unauthorized activity.
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and report identity theft to the police.
• Work with the ITRC for support and advice on how to resolve identity theft. We can guide you through the recovery process, provide helpful resources, and offer counseling services.

Are You the Victim of an Identity Crime?

Recognizing the signs of identity theft as early as possible can help you protect your finances, personal information and peace of mind. If you believe you’ve fallen victim to identity theft, don’t wait to take action. The ITRC is here to assist victims of identity theft with recovery steps, advice and resources to restore your good name.