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Top Ten Signs of Identity Theft

Between reports in the news and stories from friends, many people find themselves growing more and more concerned about the threats of stolen identity. What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when thieves acquire your personal information and steal your resources. They may remove money from your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, or even steal your tax refund!

While these cases are far from uncommon, it's possible to stay alert to the signs of identity theft. Keep yourself safe by remaining alert to the following red flags, and don't forget to get in touch with CashMax Texas about personal loan services if you find yourself low on funds.

Bank Accounts

  • Unexplained charges on your bank account can be a huge warning sign of stolen identity. Contact your bank immediately for the details, and you may be able to reverse the charges.
  • While unexplained charges may show up on your bank statement, you may also see strange charges on your credit report.
  • You may stop receiving your mail and bills, indicating that your address has been changed by the thief.
  • If merchants no longer accept your checks, this may indicate questionable activity in your bank account. Again, contact your bank immediately to find out the cause.

Medical Services

  • Thieves may target more than your bank account. If you start receiving bills for medical services that you didn't request, get in touch with the provider as well as your insurance company.
  • Even if you don't receive bills for these unexplained services, you may find that your annual benefits limit has been reached without warning. This is a huge red flag that your account has been compromised.
  • And if your account suddenly shows new medical conditions that you don't have, then don’t waste any time contacting your provider and insurance company.

Personal Finances

  • If debt collectors try to collect money that you don't owe, then you may be dealing with a case of stolen identity.
  • The IRS will let you know if anything fishy shows up in your file, such as multiple tax returns filed. This can be a sign that a thief is trying to steal your hard-earned money.
  • Other businesses also may contact you personally if your account has been compromised by a data breach.
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