Common Signs of Identity Theft and How to Respond
Identity theft happens when actions are fraudulently carried out by someone else using your details. Criminals steal identities to maintain their own anonymity when committing crimes and decrease the chance of getting caught. Here are some potential signs of identity theft and what to do if you spot them.
Unexplained bank withdrawals
If you notice transactions on your bank account that you don’t recognise, this could be a sign that someone has stolen your bank details or cloned your card. In this situation, you should immediately contact your bank and tell them which transactions you believe to be fraudulent.
Missing identification documents
Whether it’s your driving licence, passport or any other form of ID, identity thieves can use your documents to pretend to be you. If you notice that these items are missing, you should contact the police. Make sure you ask for a crime reference number, as this makes it easier to act if the missing documents are used to steal your identity.
Missing mail
In the age of e-billing, you may not notice the absence of mail. However, if you normally receive either paper bills or emails from utility companies and they don’t arrive, this could point to identity theft. Call the company that should have issued the missing bill to find out what happened.
Bouncing cheques
Cheque refusal can be a sign of identity theft. Sometimes, this indicates that there may be suspicious activity on your account. Your bank should be the first point of contact, and you should also go through your bank statements to check for any unexplained transactions.
Unfamiliar accounts on your credit report
If your credit report lists accounts that are not yours, they could have been set up by someone else using your details. This includes accruing debt in your name, which can lead to debt collectors chasing you for money that you did not borrow. If you see an unfamiliar account, you should contact the provider and report it to the police as fraudulent.
Bills and email confirmations for items you didn’t buy
If you receive a seemingly random bill for something you didn’t buy, it can be tempting to dismiss it as spam. However, it’s possible that someone has used your details to make purchases. Contact the sender to inform them that you didn’t order anything, and check if any money has been taken from your bank.
Being refused for a loan
If you have a healthy credit score but your application for a loan or credit card is refused, it could be because someone else has been setting them up in your name. Requesting a copy of your credit file should help you work out if there is any history of fraudulent loan applications in your name.
Report crime anonymously
If you have information about criminal activity, you should report it. Crime Stoppers Bermuda allows this information to be shared without any identifying information, protecting your anonymity. By using our online form or phone line, you can be sure that your information will reach law enforcement without being traceable to you.
Call 800-8477 or use our online form
