Have you ever found unexpected withdrawals on your bank statement — or a strange new account on your credit report? You could be a victim of identity theft. Keep an eye out for unexpected activity on your financial records, medical bills or IRS statements.
Received phones calls from debt collectors about debts that aren’t yours? Ever get an unexpected bill – or even stopped getting your bills?
If any of these happens to you, you could be – a victim of identity theft.
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information. Then they take money out of your accounts, apply for credit cards, or go on a spending spree – all using your name.
Wreaking havoc with your money, your credit, and your personal sense of security. You might even be questioned for crimes you didn’t commit.
Identity theft happens. It's an unfortunate fact of modern life. But there are certain steps you can take to help keep your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
Every day, you do things to protect what's most important to you. And you know what? You do them almost automatically. Routine things like looking both ways before you cross, brushing your teeth, and buckling your seat belt.
Another routine to get into is keeping tabs on your identity and personal information. Here are seven easy ways you can do it.
1. Read your credit card and bank statements carefully and often.
2. Know your payment due dates.
3. If a bill doesn't show up when you expect it, look into it.
4. Read the statements from your health insurance plan.
5. Make sure the claims paid match the care you got.
6. Shred any documents with personal and financial information.
7. Review each of your three credit reports at least once a year. It's easy, and it's free.
And before you know it, protecting your personal information can be as routine as locking your doors at night.
What to do if you are a victim of identity theft.
First, call one of the nationwide credit reporting companies. Ask them to put a fraud alert on your credit report. This means businesses must confirm that you are you before they extend credit in your name. The alert is a roadblock in the path of an identity thief. And it's just one phone call away.
Second, order free copies of your credit report from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies.
Third, complete the complaint form at ftc.gov/complaint. This creates an identity theft affidavit, which helps you file a police report. Keep records of your calls and copies of your documents. You'll use them later on.
So keep an eye out for unexpected activity on your financial records, medical bills or IRS statements and be proactive when you find errors.
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Financial Fruits
Building Wealth: A Beginner's Guide to Securing Your Financial Future offers introductory guidance to individuals and families seeking to help to develop a plan for building personal wealth. 
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