Identity Fraud & ID Theft
It's important to learn how to recognize suspicious activities that may indicate possible fraud or identity theft.
Fraud is an act that occurs when someone uses your account to make unauthorized purchases, usually when the account number or card has been stolen. The following may be signs of fraud:
- If you did not receive an expected bill or statement by mail
- If unexpected charges occurred on your account
- If there are charges on your account from unrecognized vendors
- If posted checks appear on your account significantly out of sequence
- On the other hand, identity theft happens when a thief steals information such as your name, birth date or Social Security number to open credit cards, mortgages and other accounts without your knowledge.
The following may be signs of identity theft:
- If you find new accounts on your credit report that are not yours
- If you receive credit cards that you didn't apply for
- If you are denied credit or are offered less than favorable credit terms for no reason
- If you get calls from creditors or debt collectors regarding merchandise or services that you did not buy
