{"id":130441,"date":"2024-11-26T05:32:08","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T13:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=130441"},"modified":"2024-11-26T06:10:13","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T14:10:13","slug":"top-signs-of-identity-theft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/top-signs-of-identity-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Detect Signs of Identity Theft"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When it\u202fcomes to identity\u202ftheft, trust\u202fyour gut\u202fwhen something doesn\u2019t feel right. Follow up.\u202fWhat you\u2019re seeing\u202fcould be\u202fa\u202fproblem.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A missing bill or a\u202fmysterious\u202fcharge\u202fon your credit card could be the tip of an identity theft iceberg, one that can run deep if left unaddressed. Here, we\u2019ll look at several signs of identity theft that\u202flikely need\u202fsome investigation and the steps you\u202fcan\u202ftake\u202fto\u202ftake\u202fcharge of the situation.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How does identity theft happen in the first place?\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unfortunately, it can happen in several ways.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the physical world,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fit can happen\u202fsimply\u202fbecause you lost your wallet\u202for debit card.\u202fHowever, there are also cases where\u202fsomeone\u202fgets your\u202finformation by\u202fgoing\u202fthrough your mail or trash for bills and statements. In other more extreme cases, theft can happen by\u202fsomeone\u202fsuccessfully\u202fregistering\u202fa change of address form in your name (although the U.S. Postal Service has security measures in place that make this difficult).\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the digital world,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fthat\u2019s where\u202fthe avenues of identity theft blow wide open. It could come by way of a data breach, a thief \u201cskimming\u201d credit card information from a point-of-sale terminal, or by a dedicated crook piecing together various bits of personal information that have been\u202fgathered\u202ffrom social media, phishing attacks, or malware designed to harvest information.\u202fAdditionally, thieves may eavesdrop on public Wi-Fi and\u202fsteal information from people who are\u202fshopping or banking online\u202fwithout\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/learn\/vpn?path=blogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the security of a VPN<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u202f\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regardless of how crooks pull it off, identity theft is on the rise. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/system\/files\/ftc_gov\/pdf\/CSN-Annual-Data-Book-2023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">identity theft claims jumped up from roughly 650,000 claims in 2019 to 1 million in 2023<\/span><\/a>.<span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Of the reported fraud cases where a dollar loss was reported, the FTC calls out\u202fthe following top three contact methods for identity theft:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Online ads that direct you to a scammer\u2019s site are designed to steal your information.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Malicious websites and apps also steal information when you use them.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social media scams lure you into providing personal information, whether through posts or direct messages.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, phone calls, texts, and email remain the most preferred contact methods that fraudsters use, even if they are less successful\u202fin creating dollar losses\u202fthan\u202fmalicious websites, ads, and social media.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are some signs of identity theft?\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identity thieves leave a trail. With your identity in hand, they\u202fcan\u202fcharge\u202fthings\u202fto\u202fone or more of your\u202fexisting accounts\u2014and\u202fif they have enough information about you,\u202fthey can\u202feven\u202fcreate entirely new accounts in your name.\u202fEither way,\u202fonce an identity thief strikes,\u202fyou\u2019re\u202fprobably\u202fgoing to notice that something is wrong.\u202fPossible signs\u202finclude:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You start getting mail for accounts that you never opened.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Statements or bills\u202fstop\u202fshowing up\u202ffrom your legitimate accounts.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You receive authentication messages for accounts you don\u2019t recognize via email, text, or phone.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Debt collectors contact you about an account you have no knowledge of.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unauthorized transactions, however large or small,\u202fshow up in your bank or credit card statements.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You apply for credit and get unexpectedly denied.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And in extreme cases, you discover that someone else has filed a tax return in your name.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As you can see, the\u202fsigns of possible identity theft can\u202frun anywhere from, \u201cWell, that\u2019s strange\u202f\u2026\u201d to \u201cOH NO!\u201d\u202fHowever,\u202fthe good news is that\u202fthere are several ways to check if someone is using your identity before it becomes a problem\u202f\u2013 or\u202fbefore it becomes\u202fa\u202fbig\u202fproblem that gets out of hand.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Steps to take if you suspect that you\u2019re the victim of identity theft\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The point is that if you suspect fraud,\u202fyou need to\u202fact\u202fright away. With identity theft\u202fbecoming increasingly commonplace,\u202fmany\u202fbusinesses, banks, and organizations have fraud reporting mechanisms in place that can assist you should you have any concerns.\u202fWith that in mind, here are some immediate steps you can take:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">1) Notify the companies and institutions involved<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether you spot a curious charge on your bank statement or\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.annualcreditreport.com\/index.action\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">you discover what\u202flooks like\u202fa fraudulent account\u202fwhen you get\u202fyour\u202ffree\u202fcredit report<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, let\u202fthe\u202fbank or business involved know you suspect fraud. With a visit to their website, you can track down the appropriate number to call and get the investigation process started.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">2) File a police report<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some businesses will require you to file a local police report to acquire a case number to complete your claim. Even beyond a business making such a request, filing a report is still a good idea. Identity theft is still theft and reporting it provides an official record of the incident. Should your case of identity theft lead to someone impersonating you or committing a crime in your name, filing a police report right away can help clear your name down the road. Be sure to save any evidence you have, like statements or documents that are associated with the theft. They can help clean up your record as well.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">3) Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.identitytheft.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The FTC\u2019s identity theft website is a fantastic resource should you find yourself in need<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u202fAbove and beyond simply reporting the theft, the FTC can provide you with a step-by-step recovery plan\u2014and even walk you through the process if you create an account with them. Additionally,\u202freporting theft to the FTC can prove\u202fhelpful\u202fif\u202fdebtors come knocking to\u202fcollect on\u202fany bogus charges in your name. You can provide them with a copy of your FTC report and ask them to stop.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">4) Place a fraud alert and consider a credit freeze<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can place a free one-year fraud alert with one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax),\u202fand they will notify the other two. A fraud alert will make it tougher for thieves to open accounts in your name, as it requires businesses to verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A credit freeze\u202fgoes\u202fa step further. As the name implies, a freeze prohibits creditors from pulling your credit report, which is needed to approve credit. Such a freeze is in place until you lift it, and it will also apply to legitimate queries as well. Thus, if you intend to get a loan or new credit card while a\u202ffreeze\u202fis in place, you\u2019ll likely need to take extra measures to see that through. Contact\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">each\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) to put a\u202ffreeze\u202fin place\u202for lift it when you\u2019re ready.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">5) Dispute any discrepancies in your credit reports<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This can run the gamut from closing any false accounts that were set up in your name, removing\u202fbogus\u202fcharges, and correcting information in your credit report such as\u202fphony\u202faddresses or contact information. With your FTC report, you can dispute these discrepancies and have the business correct the record. Be sure to ask for written confirmation and keep a record of all documents and conversations involved.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">6) Contact the IRS, if needed<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you receive a notice from the IRS that someone used your identity to file a tax return in your name, follow the information provided by the IRS in the notice. From there,\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/f14039.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">you can file an identity theft affidavit with the IRS<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. If the notice mentions that you were paid by an employer you don\u2019t know, contact that employer as well and let them know of possible fraud\u2014namely that someone has stolen your identity and that you don\u2019t truly work for them.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also, be aware that the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/how-to-know-its-really-the-irs-calling-or-knocking-on-your-door\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">IRS has specific guidelines as to how and when they will contact you<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. As a rule, they will most likely contact you via physical mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.\u202f(They won\u2019t call\u202for\u202fapply harassing pressure tactics\u2014only scammers do that.)\u202fIdentity-based tax scams are a topic\u202fall of\u202ftheir own, and for more on it,\u202fyou can check out this article on\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/tips-tricks\/how-to-spot-and-prevent-the-tax-scams-that-target-elders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">tax scams and how to avoid them<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">7) Continue to monitor your credit report, invoices, and statements<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another downside of identity theft is that it\u202fcan\u202fmark the start of\u202fa long, drawn-out affair. One instance of theft can possibly lead to another, so even what may appear to be an isolated bad charge on your credit card\u202fcalls for keeping an eye on your identity. Many of the tools you would use up to this point still apply, such as checking up on your credit reports, maintaining fraud alerts as needed,\u202fand\u202freviewing your accounts closely.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Preventing identity theft<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With all the time we spend online as we bank, shop, and simply surf, we create and share all kinds of personal information\u2014information that can get collected and even stolen. The good news is that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/products\/mcafee-plus-ultimate.html?path=blogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">you can prevent theft and fraud with online protection software, such as McAfee+ Ultimate<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With McAfee+ Ultimate you can:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monitor your credit activity on all three major credit bureaus to stay on top of unauthorized use<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u200b<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also, monitor the dark web for breaches involving your personal info and notify you if it&#8217;s found.\u200b<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lock or freeze your credit file to help prevent accounts from being opened in your name.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remove your personal info from over 40 data broker sites collecting and selling it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Restore your identity with a licensed expert should the unexpected happen.\u200b<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Receive $1M identity theft and stolen funds coverage along with additional $25K ransomware coverage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u200b<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In all, it\u2019s our most comprehensive privacy, identity, and device protection plan, built for a time when we rely so heavily on the internet to go about our day, whether that\u2019s work, play, or simply getting things done.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Righting the wrongs of identity theft: deep breaths and an even keel\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Realizing that you\u2019ve become a victim of identity theft carries plenty of emotion with it, which is understandable\u2014the thief has stolen a part of\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to get at your money, information, and even reputation. Once that initial rush\u202fof anger and surprise\u202fhas passed,\u202fit\u2019s time to\u202fget clinical and get busy. Think like a detective\u202fwho\u2019s\u202fbuilding\u202f\u2013\u202fand closing\u202f\u2013\u202fa case. That\u2019s exactly what you\u2019re doing. Follow the steps, document each one, and build up your case file as you need.\u202fStaying\u202fcool, organized, and ready with an answer\u202fto\u202fany questions you\u2019ll face in the process of restoring your identity will help you see things through.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once again, this is a good reminder that\u202fvigilance is\u202fthe best defense against identity theft from happening in the first place. While there\u2019s no absolute, sure-fire protection against it,\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/consumer-cyber-awareness\/how-to-check-if-someone-is-using-your-identity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">there are several things you can do to lower the odds in your favor<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u202fAnd at the top of the list is keeping\u202fconsistent\u202ftabs on what\u2019s happening across your credit reports and accounts.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it\u202fcomes to identity\u202ftheft, trust\u202fyour gut\u202fwhen something doesn\u2019t feel right. Follow up.\u202fWhat you\u2019re seeing\u202fcould be\u202fa\u202fproblem.\u202f\u00a0 A missing bill or a\u202fmysterious\u202fcharge\u202fon&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1408,"featured_media":205874,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10670,13],"tags":[10753,142,10750,10747],"coauthors":[15741],"class_list":["post-130441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-tricks","category-privacy-identity-protection","tag-how-to-report-identity-theft","tag-tag-identity-theft","tag-signs-of-identity-theft","tag-what-to-do-about-identity-theft"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Detect Signs of Identity Theft | McAfee Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When it\u202fcomes to identity\u202ftheft, trust\u202fyour gut\u202fwhen something doesn\u2019t feel right. 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