keep an eye on your credit report

When reviewing your credit report, make sure that you recognize the accounts and loans on your credit report as accounts that you have opened. Then check that the information reported by each of the creditors on your credit report is correct. If you find information that you believe is not correct, contact the company that issued the account or the credit reporting company that issued the report.

Some common warning signs of identity theft are: 

• Credit card charges that you don't recognize
• Calls or letters about things you didn't buy
• Bills that arrive on unusual days or that stop arriving
• New credit cards or statements for accounts that you didn't open
• Denials of credit for no apparent reason
• Information on your credit report you don't recognize