Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal identifying information, like their name, identifying number, or credit card number, without their permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information, such as your Social Security Number, bank account number, and credit card information.
Identity theft can be committed in many different ways.
Some identity thieves sift through trash bins looking for bank account and credit card statements.
The three most common types of identity theft are financial, medical and online.
Some ways you can check and detect identity theft are.
Track what bills you owe and when they're due.
If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign that someone changed your billing address.
Review your bills.
Check your bank account statement.
Get and review your credit reports.
The most common ways identity is stolen are through.
Phishing and SMiShing.
Phishing involves sending you a fraudulent email that looks to be authentic, say an email from your bank asking you to verify your account information.
Dumpster Diving.
Wireless Hacking.
Fake Lottery Winnings, Jobs, Etc.
ATM and Payment Machines.
Some warnings signs that someone may be stealing your identity include.
Unexplained charges or withdrawals.
Medical bills for doctors you haven't visited.
New credit cards you didn't apply for.
Errors on your credit report.
Collection notices or calls for unknown debt.
Your credit card or application for credit is denied.
Missing mail or email.
On average, it can take 100 to 200 hours over six months to undo identity theft.
The recovery process may involve working with the three major credit bureaus to request a fraud alert; reviewing your credit reports to pinpoint fraudulent activity; and reporting the theft.