How do I know if my identity has been stolen?

There are a few things you can check, if you think your identity may have been stolen:

Are there any unusual transactions listed on your bank or credit card statements that you didn't initiate?
Have you lost your wallet or purse lately, or have you allowed someone else access to the personal information inside?
Do you have a lock on your (physical) letterbox? Have you had any issues recently with theft of your mail from it?
Have you received bills from organisations that you've never dealt with before?
Have you thrown away personal information without shredding it first?
Have you given your personal details to someone over the phone, the Internet or in person recently, without qualifying who they are and where they are from?

If you are concerned your identity may have been stolen and you answer yes to any of these questions, take a look at the next page for the steps you should take.