Early detection helps to correct any damage and prevent further damage caused by identity theft – keep an eye out for these signs of identity theft.
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes affecting millions of people across the world every year. South Africa is no exception. Protecting your personal information to avoid becoming another victim of identity theft requires both education and awareness. The problem with this kind of theft is that it often doesn’t become apparent until it’s too late. In that time, someone else has racked up significant debt in your name. Here’s how you can recognise the signs of identity theft so you can respond to the question of “has my identity been stolen?” as quickly as possible.
Your bank statement doesn’t look right
Scanning your bank and credit card statements meticulously each month is an important part of keeping your identity protected. Even the smallest of discrepancies could be a sign that you’re a victim of financial identity theft. Criminals sometimes make small charges to test an account to see if a fraudulent charge will go through. Contact your bank immediately if you notice any unfamiliar withdrawals or suspicious charges, not matter how small.
Top tip: If someone has had unauthorised access to your bank account, it’s a good idea to close that account and open a new one with a new account number.
2. You’re informed that your information was exposed in a data breach
If you’re notified that your data has been compromised due to a data breach at one of your merchants, you’ll need to act quickly to help protect your information against it being used to commit fraud
3. You’re denied a credit card or loan for no apparent reason
If you’re denied a credit card or loan despite having a clear credit record, it may be one of the signs of identity theft. Someone may have applied for a credit card or loan in your name already and you should inform your bank immediately.
4. Your tax return for the year has already been filed
Some criminals are after tax refunds and therefore will file someone else’s tax return. One way you can prevent this from happening is to make sure you file your taxes ahead of time.
5. You start receiving calls from debt collectors
Calls from debt collectors can often be the one of the first signs of identity theft. By the time debt collectors start calling you, accounts you know nothing about have probably been open without your knowledge for several months. This indicates that someone else has opened them in your name by obtaining your personal information.
6. You’re no longer receiving your usual bills
In theory, suddenly not getting your bills anymore sounds great, yet it can signal a huge problem. It could be that someone has changed your mailing address and now your bills are being redirected to them. One of the benefits of using an identity theft protection service such as Secure Citizen is having your personal information monitored for any address changes. Click here to find out more about the benefits for you, the consumer.
No one is able to be 100% protected against identity theft. However, there are definitely several things you as the consumer can do to make it more difficult for fraudsters to gain access to your important information. Putting the necessary measures in place are of course key. But it’s also important for you to be hyper-aware and as vigilant as possible. The more you know what to look out for, the easier it will be for you to answer the question of “has my identity been stolen?” and act fast.
Should you suspect that your identity has been compromised, you can apply immediately for a free Protective Registration listing with the SAFPS (the South African Fraud Prevention Services). You can do so easily and in less than five minutes using a Smartphone. This service alerts SAFPS members (which includes banks and credit providers) that your identity has been compromised. Alos, that additional care needs to be taken to confirm that they are transacting with the legitimate identity holder. Consumers wanting to apply for a Protective Registration can contact SAFPS at protection@safps.org.za
