How to Detect Identity Theft Signs

What to look for in your credit report to detect identity theft

• Inactive Accounts with Activity
  Thieves have been known to change the billing address on on old accounts you've forgotten about, a use them as if it were their own. A credit report shows whether each account is open or closed, and the activity.
  
  
• Accounts You Are Unaware You Have
  It may be wise to close accounts you no longer use. A credit report can remind you of them.
  
  
• Unexpected Public Records
  Credit reports show court judgments, liens, foreclosures, evictions, and other public records. Look for anything that is incorrect, and clearly not yours.
  
  
• Unexpected Derogatory Information
  The typical pattern of an identity thief is to run up lots of bills, then not pay them. Look for unexpected past-due items.