My Identity FAQs
- What is Identity Theft?
- How do you know if you are a victim of identity theft or fraud?
- How can your credit reputation be affected by identity theft?
Identity theft is one of the nation's fastest-growing crimes. The more you know about this crime, the better prepared you will be to protect yourself.
- Find out what to look for in determining if are a victim of identity theft
- Tips to help keep your identity safe
- Read about what you can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft
How do you know if you are a victim of identity theft or fraud?
You may receive telephone calls from credit grantors on debt that you are not aware of. You could be receiving account statements from retailers with whom you do not have accounts. Or you might apply for credit and be denied it due to adverse information on your credit report. These are all signs that someone may be using your personal information.
How can your credit reputation be affected by identity theft?
One common way is that a fraudster obtains your identity document and opens accounts in your name, up to the maximum credit limit per account, and then disappears. In this instance, your credit report would then include adverse information due to the fraudster’s conduct. The effect on you is not just that you are unable to access more credit; it could also mean legal issues that you need to resolve.
Protect Yourself
- Tips to protect yourself
- How do you protect yourself?
- What if someone has opened accounts using my Identity?
- How can your credit reputation be affected by identity theft?
Safeguard your identity by always keeping your personal documents in a safe, secure place. Tear up or shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, bank statements and expired credit offers before you throw them away.
Do not carry your Identity document, birth certificate or passport with you unless needed. Do not give your banking details, identity number or personal details over the phone as a fraudster may phone, posing as a bank employee or government agent.
The more you know about identity theft, the better prepared you will be to protect yourself. Impersonation fraud occurs when someone uses your name and ID to obtain credit that they never intend to repay. Monitor your credit report to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
- Monitor your credit report to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. Protect your identity with our My Credit Report with the Notification solution—a pro-active measure to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
- You receive an e-mail or SMS notification every time any change is made on your credit report.
What if someone has opened accounts using my Identity?
We encourage consumers to manage their credit reports by accessing their reports at least once a year to see what is on the report. If your credit report shows accounts that you did not open, you should contact the companies that have enquired on you and request that they provide you with the application form which you allegedly signed.
Should you receive no feedback, we encourage you to contact TransUnion to lodge a dispute.
How can your credit reputation be affected by identity theft?
One common way is that a fraudster obtains your identity document and opens accounts in your name, up to the maximum credit limit per account, and then disappears. In this instance, your credit report would then include adverse information due to the fraudster’s conduct. The effect on you is not just that you are unable to access more credit; it could also mean legal issues that you need to resolve.