10 Warning Signs Of Identity Theft

Identity theft is currently the most common type of fraud. It results in billions of dollars in losses each year and while it can happen to anyone, older adults are frequently targeted. By impersonating you, accessing your accounts, and authorizing payments, fraudsters can quickly cause a devastating amount of harm. Our Tampa asset protection attorney explains 10 common warning signs of identity theft that you need to be alert for.

Common Warning Signs Of Identity Theft In Tampa

Identity theft is the most common type of consumer complaint. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it impacts more than 1.5 million people each year. Online activities can provide a doorway for scammers, and older adults are among the most common victims.

Once they have access to your personal information, scammers can empty your bank accounts, open up credit cards or take personal loans in your name, file fraudulent tax returns to claim refunds, and generally ruin your credit while depleting all of your hard-earned savings. To protect yourself and your assets, the FTC advises being alert for these common warning signs:

1. Not getting your regular bills or other mail;
2. Unexplained changes in your credit score;
3. Unauthorized bank account withdrawals;
4. Payments to unknown people or businesses;
5. Unexpected bounced checks;
6. Credit collection calls on unfamiliar debts;
7. Unfamiliar medical bills and denial of benefits due to reaching claims limits;
8. Notices regarding duplicate returns from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS);
9. Notices of data breaches from companies you deal with.
10. Lost or missing credit cards, driver’s licenses, or other IDs.

Ways To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

 Experian warns that scammers frequently target older adults online, such as through fraudulent shopping sites advertised on social media or phishing emails, as well as on their cell phones. It is important to be aware of how common identity theft is and to use caution in sharing any personal information and in conducting any type of financial transaction. Ways to protect yourself and your assets include:

• Do not answer calls from unfamiliar phone numbers: Fraudsters use robocalls to target potential victims. They are adept at spoofing telephone numbers as well, making it look as if the call is coming from the local area. If you do pick up on accident, hang up immediately. Do not press any numbers on your keypad or provide any information.
• Be skeptical of emails: Be skeptical of any email asking for money or demanding payment for services you never ordered.
• Use two-factor authentication: When viewing financial statements or paying bills, do not rely on passwords alone. Enable two-factor authentication, which texts or emails a personalized code every time you log in.

Contact Our Experienced Tampa Asset Protection Attorney 

Older adults are a frequent target of scammers and identity theft is one of the most common and potentially devastating types of fraud. To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your assets, get the trusted legal guidance you need from Strategic Counsel Law Group, L.C. Call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Tampa asset protection attorney today.

Sources:

consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft

identitytheft.gov/#/Warning-Signs-of-Identity-Theft

experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/the-latest-scams-you-need-to-aware-of/