Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. This information can include: Names and addresses, Credit card or Social Security numbers, Bank account numbers, or Medical insurance account numbers.

You may not know that you experienced ID theft immediately. Beware of these warning signs: Bills for items you did not buy, Debt collection calls for accounts you did not open, Information on your credit report for accounts you did not open, Denials of loan applications, or Mail stops coming to or is missing from your mailbox.

If you suspect identity theft, act quickly to minimize the damage. Keep a detailed log of all your actions, including dates and who you spoke to. This meticulous record-keeping is essential for recovering your identity and proving that the fraudulent activities were not your own. File a police report as soon as possible, as this document is often required by creditors and credit reporting agencies to dispute fraudulent transactions.

To report identity theft, contact: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338, The three major credit reporting agencies. Ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts, or the fraud department at your credit card issuers, bank, and other places where you have accounts.

Read this article, https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft, to learn more about identity theft and how it can seriously affect you and those you know.