One of the biggest signs of stolen identity is getting mail or bills for accounts you never opened — credit cards, utilities, even loans. Other red flags: sudden drops in your credit score, unfamiliar hard inquiries, or debt collectors calling about stuff you don’t recognize. Keep an eye on your credit report and bank statements, and set up alerts wherever you can. A lot of people miss the early signs because the damage doesn’t show up until months later. Catching it early makes a huge difference.
One of the biggest signs of stolen identity is getting mail or bills for accounts you never opened — credit cards, utilities, even loans. Other red flags: sudden drops in your credit score, unfamiliar hard inquiries, or debt collectors calling about stuff you don’t recognize. Keep an eye on your credit report and bank statements, and set up alerts wherever you can. A lot of people miss the early signs because the damage doesn’t show up until months later. Catching it early makes a huge difference.