When someone steals and uses another person’s personal information to carry out fraud.
Red flags that you may be a victim of identity theft and fraud include:
A creditor informs you that a credit application was received with your name and address. You did not submit the application.
A collection agency informs you that they are collecting for a defaulted account established in your name. You never opened the account.
You no longer receive credit card statements or you notice that not all of your mail is being delivered.
An individual posing as a representative of an agency you do business with, like an insurance agent, sends you an email requesting personal information about you or your finances.