Stolen Identity – Has Someone Stolen your Credit Cards

man at a computer while holding a phone

We hear about it all the time—identity theft. We’re warned about the possibility of having our identities stolen, with our names used to commit crimes, usually fraud. But how do you know if someone has stolen your identity? What should you do, and who should you call once it happens?

Why Would Someone Want to Steal Your Identity?

First, it’s important to understand why someone might steal your identity. Typically, identity theft is committed for financial gain. Access to credit cards, bank accounts, and loans becomes available when the stolen identity has reasonable credit. With today’s technology, a savvy identity thief can sit behind a computer screen and order a houseful of electronics or other valuable items—delivered to a location where they can discreetly pick them up. These items can then be resold on platforms like eBay, where the thief can make a 100% profit on the purchases made in your name.

If your credit is good enough, the thief can also take out loans or make fraudulent charges. This is all done after draining your bank account and funneling your money into accounts that are nearly untraceable.

Sometimes, identity theft is committed for more sinister purposes, like committing crimes under the guise of being someone else. These crimes may be traceable, but they’ll be traced back to a false identity—yours. It’s a very unsettling feeling when authorities show up at your door because they believe you’re guilty of a federal offense, all due to someone else using your identity to commit their crimes.

Another reason for identity theft is to help someone hide. This is common for individuals fleeing from abusive situations, or for those looking to escape prosecution. Some even hire criminals to create a new identity for them. In such cases, the thief may obtain a passport in your name and be long gone by the time authorities catch up.

Signs Your Identity May Have Been Stolen
Signs of identity theft can range from small and subtle to glaringly obvious, depending on the nature of the theft. You may wake up one morning to find that your bank account is completely drained. Or, it could start with a few small charges on your bank statement that you don’t remember making—charges small enough that you might not immediately be alarmed. Over time, however, these charges will grow larger and more frequent, leading you to realize that someone is using your identity.

By the time you figure it out, the thief may have either wiped you out completely or moved on to a different identity.

What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
If you suspect someone is out there pretending to be you (and unfortunately, identity theft can happen anywhere in the world), the steps you take are crucial. Here’s what to do:

Close Your Bank Account Immediately
Go directly to your bank and shut down your account. Don’t hesitate or overthink it—this step is critical to prevent further financial damage.

Cancel All Your Credit Cards
Make sure to cancel all your credit cards immediately. Even if you only suspect identity theft, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Place a Fraud Alert
Contact all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will help notify creditors to watch for any suspicious activity. You can find a toll-free number in your credit records for assistance.

Change All Online Accounts
Update the passwords for all your online accounts, including email, online banking, and any other websites where you store personal information. If you close any accounts, they can typically be re-established once the identity theft is addressed.

Report to Government Agencies
Notify the relevant government agencies regarding any stolen identification documents—such as your driver’s license, social security card, passport, or military ID. Reporting this theft will help protect you from future misuse.

Contact the FBI and Local Authorities
The FBI and local authorities have protocols for handling identity theft. Reach out to them, answer their questions, and follow their advice. Although it may be inconvenient or disruptive to your daily routine, your cooperation is essential in protecting yourself from the long-term consequences of identity theft.

By following these steps and remaining vigilant, you can limit the damage caused by identity theft and protect yourself from future fraud.

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