It is easy for someone to hack into accounts and snag enough sensitive data to steal your identity with so much information being shared online. It is important to stay informed about potential red flags that could indicate a threat to keep your identity safe. Today, we at Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL would like to share the signs of identity theft to keep an eye out for.
Your Credit Card has Unauthorized Charges
It is not always obvious to spot identity theft. Your account usually is not drained in one breach by thieves. Making it difficult for you to notice that someone is using your funds, they will make small purchases with your credit card or take out minor withdrawals from your bank account instead. Contact your bank to freeze your accounts until you can find out what’s happening if you start noticing withdrawals that you can’t explain.
Why am I Getting Sudden Calls from Debt Collectors?
Your information is stolen to open accounts and then rack up bills frequently. If you begin getting the credit collection calls, call the companies directly to find out who opened these accounts under your name and how they are being paid after you collect the details that you can from the caller about the overdue accounts.
Your Credit Report Lists Unknown Accounts
Pulling your credit report is one way to tell if you’ve become a victim of identity theft. A report that will outline all the accounts that are currently active or recently closed can be provided by Transunion and Equifax. A sign that someone else has opened accounts under your name by using your personal information can be if you have unknown accounts on your report that you did not open.
You Receive Random Invoices
A red flag your information has been stolen is if you receive invoices by mail or through your email for services you didn’t use. Identity thieves might have switched your address and are now enjoying paid services on your dime if you’re still getting charged for services you no longer receive.
You Get Locked Out of Accounts
It is never a good sign to get locked out of your Facebook, email, or bank account. As soon as they have taken over your account, identity thieves will change your password. Call the vendor directly to find out if there has been a data breach if you can’t access your accounts.
What are Tips to Improve Identity Theft Prevention?
– Only on secured, encrypted, trusted websites, enter your credit card information
– Have different passwords for each account
– Don’t send personal information by messenger, text, or email
– Do not store any personal information on your computer or phone
– Never post on social media your birthdate or address
– Twice a year check your credit report
– For accounts and apps, add multi-factor identification
You need to act quickly when your identity has been stolen. Freeze your accounts and issue new cards. For your online accounts, utility services and government accounts, change all your passwords. To report that your identity was stolen, you may need to contact the government, Equifax/Transunion and the utility companies to update your address
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Plantation City & Miami Gardens Florida
Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL can help you open up a fraud investigation you have been severely impacted financially and emotionally. Call us today to help you get justice and clear your name.
