How Do I Know If This Is Really Identity Theft or Just a Mistake?

Question

It can be hard to tell at first, but there are warning signs that help you figure out whether you're dealing with identity theft or just an error.

Billy Guide · Accepted Answer

🛑 Signs It Might Be Identity Theft:

You see unfamiliar charges on your bank or credit card statements.
Even small charges (like $1 or $2) can be a thief testing your card.
You get bills for things you didn’t buy or services you didn’t use.
Like a medical bill for care you never received.
You receive calls from debt collectors about accounts you don’t recognize.
You get mail or notices from banks, credit card companies, or government agencies you never contacted. This includes new cards, PIN numbers, or approval/denial letters for loans you didn’t apply for.
You’re locked out of your accounts or notice passwords have been changed without your knowledge.
Your tax return is rejected because one has already been filed under your name.

⚠️ Signs It Might Just Be a Mistake:

You were billed twice by a store you actually shopped at.
A charge appears from a business with a name that looks unfamiliar, but is one you recognize when you look closer (like a store using a parent company name).
A letter or bill is addressed to you, but for a service you recently signed up for and forgot about.

✅ What You Can Do to Be Sure:

Call your bank or credit card company and ask about any suspicious charges.
Check your credit reports – you can get them for free.
Contact the company that sent the bill or notice and ask for details.
Review your online accounts (email, bank, Medicare, Social Security) for any changes or logins you didn’t make.

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