How to Recognize Identity Theft Early and Protect Your Personal Information

Identity theft is on the rise—and many victims don’t even know they’ve been targeted until the damage is done. In 2024 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received thousands of reports of identity-related fraud, costing individuals hundreds of millions in losses. (These are just the reported and discovered crimes—the true toll is surely much higher.) The earlier you recognize the warning signs, the faster you can take action to limit the damage.

Here are seven red flags that your identity may have been compromised—and the immediate steps you should take.

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1. You see charges you don’t recognize

Fraudulent purchases, even small ones, are often the first sign of a stolen identity. Thieves will “test” stolen credit cards or account access with small charges to confirm the account is legit—and that the owner is not checking closely—before going bigger.

What to do: Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to report the charges and freeze the account.

Fraudulent purchases, even small ones, are often the first sign of a stolen identity.

2. You’re denied for credit—even though your score is good

If lenders reject you unexpectedly, it may be because someone has taken out loans in your name and harmed your credit score. 

What to do: Check your credit report for unfamiliar accounts. You can request free reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

3. You start getting bills for things you never bought

A medical bill from a hospital you’ve never visited. A utilities invoice from another state. These are classic signs someone is using your name and information.

What to do: Don’t ignore these bills. Call the provider immediately, explain the situation, and request a fraud investigation

4. The IRS says you already filed your taxes (US taxpayers)

Tax-related identity theft is a growing problem. Scammers file fake returns early in the season and steal refunds before the real taxpayer has a chance.

What to do: If you’re in the US, file IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) and follow up with the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit.

5. You’re locked out of your accounts

Getting locked out of your email, social media, or bank accounts could mean a hacker has already gained access and changed your credentials.

What to do: Immediately try to reset your password using multi-factor authentication. If that fails, contact the provider’s support and report the breach.

6. Debt collectors are calling you about unknown accounts

If debt collectors are trying to collect for loans or credit lines you never opened, it’s likely someone else did—using your identity.

What to do: Request a validation notice from the collector, file a police report, and notify the credit bureaus of potential fraud.

Final thoughts

Identity theft isn’t always dramatic—it often starts with small, subtle clues. But if you catch those warning signs early, you can stop a bad situation from spiraling into financial disaster.

Bonus Tip: Consider signing up for identity theft protection services that include credit monitoring, dark web scans, and even fraud insurance to give yourself an added layer of defense.

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