How do I find out if my identity is being used?

How to Know If Your Identity Has Been Stolen

It’s unsettling to think someone might be using your identity, but catching it early can save you a lot of trouble. The first step? Stay alert. Keep track of your bills—what you owe and when payments are due. If you notice unfamiliar charges or accounts you don’t recognize, that’s a red flag.

Take a close look at your monthly bank and credit card statements. Scammers often make small, easy-to-miss transactions to test the waters. If you see something suspicious, don’t ignore it. Even a $5 charge to an unknown vendor could signal bigger problems.

Your credit report is one of your best tools. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus every year. Review them carefully. Look for accounts you didn’t open, credit inquiries you didn’t authorize, or loans in your name. Mistakes happen, but fraud can hide in the details.

Another sign: you’re denied credit unexpectedly, or you stop receiving your regular mail. Identity thieves often change billing addresses to cover their tracks. If your credit score drops suddenly without explanation, that’s worth investigating.

Consider setting up alerts with your bank or using a credit monitoring service. These can notify you of changes to your credit file or unusual account activity—sometimes before real damage is done.

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off—a missing bill, an unfamiliar login, or an odd message from your bank—dig deeper. Identity theft doesn’t always look dramatic; sometimes it’s a quiet shift in your financial routine. Staying informed and proactive is your best defense.