Identity theft is rampant in our society. While thieves will still steal the occasional purse or car stereo, a far more lucrative crime is stealing your identity. With that, they can open up accounts in your name and make more than they ever could by just stealing your wallet. When someone steals your identity you most likely will not know until it is too late. So how do I know if I’ve become a victim of identity theft? Often times the first hint that your identity has been compromised is because you are refused credit. Other ways to know are if you receive bills for items that you never purchased. You could also have charges on your credit card or bank account that were not authorized. You could be receiving letters from debt collectors for items you don’t recognize. Another final way to know if your identity has been stolen is if you apply for government benefits and they tell you that you’ve already done so.