One of the most insidious aspects about identity theft is that so often, victims don’t even know it has happened to them. You might go for months or years without suspecting something is wrong, only to one day discover that your credit report contains major problems that require significant time and effort to repair.

Obviously, it would be better if we all check our credit reports once per year, or more often if you suspect you’ve been a victim of identity theft. That way, you can at least clean up the damage more quickly.

So how would you know your identity might have been stolen? Watch out for the following signs:

• There are items you don’t recognize in your credit report
• You discover odd charges, that you don’t recall making, on your credit card or bank account statements
• A store declines your check
• A healthcare provider sends you an unexpected bill
• Your health insurance company says that you’ve reached your maximum benefits for the year, and declines a claim
• Your medical records contain changes that don’t apply to you (such as listing a health condition you don’t have, or an injury you did not sustain)
• Debt collectors start calling, even though you are sure you don’t have any items in collections
• Your mail has slowed down, and you don’t receive as much as you used to

A few of these items might have surprised you. Yes, fraudsters might actually steal your healthcare information, and seek medical care using your identity!

And yes, your debit or credit cards can be “cloned” rather than stolen; so essentially, both you and the con artist are using the same account. That’s why it’s so important to examine monthly statements carefully, rather than just paying the bills.

Stay on guard where your identity is concerned and remember to never give out personal information over email or the phone. If you notice any of the above signs of identity theft, order a copy of your credit history immediately and report any discrepancies.

For more information on keeping your financial life secure, meet with us regularly to discuss your long-term financial plan. We can help you stay on top of any changes that you need to make for the sake of your security and stability.