The best way to detect identity theft is to monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis.

The signs of identity theft
Stay alert for the signs of identity theft, like:

• Accounts you didn't open and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
• Fraudulent or inaccurate information on your credit reports, including accounts and personal information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers.
• Failing to receive bills or other mail. Follow up with creditors if your bills don't arrive on time. A missing bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your account and changed your billing address to cover his tracks.
• Receiving credit cards that you didn't apply for.
• Being denied credit, or being offered less favorable credit terms, like a high interest rate, for no apparent reason.
• Getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you didn't buy.