People usually find out about identity theft when the identity thieves already have
done a huge damage. Their credit score
considerably falls and the creditors refer such people to Fraud
Victim Assistance Department to help them in such identity theft problem.

To know if you are an identity theft victim you may note the following;

• If a creditor informs you that they have received an application for a new account in your name which you never applied for then you have become a fraud victim. The application will contain your personal information such as name, address, social security number etc.
• If you receive letters or calls from creditors telling you that they have allowed you a new credit line. You will definitely be startled with such news.
• In case you receive credit card bills, and other bank statements from the accounts you have never opened then you have become a victim of identity theft.
• If your monthly bills have not come to you then this means someone else is taking them. This usually happens when a thief changes the address of a person's account.
• When you receive several payments for items other than you have actually purchased then that means someone is shopping using your account.

For identity theft the thieves will never use a person's account for a long period. If you see any of the above signs, you should contact the FVAD immediately. Here are some steps to follow after you find out that identity theft has occured.