As your identity is paramount to your finances, you should familiarize yourself with the warning signs of identity theft. Unfortunately, failure to recognize the signs can lead to continued use of your identity, heavily impacting your credit and finances. The following blog can help you stay alert to the signs that something is amiss. Additionally, you’ll learn the steps to protect your identity from thieves and how a Los Angeles, California identity theft lawyer can help you recover your identity and pursue compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
What Signs of Identity Theft Should I Look Out For?
It’s important to understand that understanding the following signs can help prevent the identity theft you experience from spiraling out of control. Generally, the sooner you catch potential identity theft, the less damage is done. As such, the following are some of the most common signs of identity theft you should be aware of:
- Strange inquiries on your credit report: If you notice an unfamiliar company or entity performing an inquiry you did not request, this could be a sign that someone has taken your information to apply for a loan under your name.
- Unauthorized bank or credit card transfers: When checking your information, you may be shocked to discover fraudulent charges on your bank account or credit card. If you do not remember making the associated purchase, this is likely a sign that someone has obtained your information.
- Calls from creditors or debt collectors: In the event you begin receiving calls about an outstanding debt that you don’t remember, you have the right to request information about the charges. If this information does not match, it can indicate that someone has taken your identity and opened an account in your name.
What Can I Do to Protect Myself?
If you are worried about becoming a victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to help secure your identity and prevent your information from being stolen by those with negative intentions.
One of the most important things you must do is be careful where you input sensitive information. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy and security of a website, you should not put any information, such as your name, date of birth, or social security number into the site. Additionally, you should shred any documents that contain sensitive details like those previously mentioned, as well as login information, credit or debit card numbers, or other similar information. This prevents thieves from stealing your garbage or recycling to access this information. Finally, you’ll want to ensure you only use secure, private Wi-Fi networks. Connecting to free, public servers can allow hackers to access your devices.
If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, it’s crucial to connect with an experienced attorney to learn how to proceed. Unfortunately, recovering from this theft can be a compiled process, so ensuring you have someone well-versed in the law to assist you is essential. At Los Angeles Legal Solutions, we understand how complicated these matters can be. Our team is dedicated to helping you through these challenging times. Contact us today to learn how we can help you regain control of your identity.
