International Baccalaureate (IB) Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates possible identity theft?

1. Bank statements do not arrive on time.

2. A collection agency contacts you about an unfamiliar debt.

3. Your credit report lists accounts you did not open.

4. All of the above.

The correct answer is: All of the above.

The correct answer encompasses a broad range of indicators for possible identity theft. Each choice reflects a common sign that an individual's personal information may have been compromised or misused. When bank statements do not arrive on time, it could suggest that someone else is intercepting or redirecting your mail, which is a tactic often used by identity thieves. This delay in receiving financial documents might prevent the victim from timely monitoring their accounts for unauthorized transactions. Being contacted by a collection agency about an unfamiliar debt is another significant red flag. It often means that someone may have used your identity to take out loans or credit that you did not authorize. This situation can be alarming, highlighting that your personal data may have been accessed by malicious parties. Lastly, if your credit report lists accounts that you did not open, this is a clear indication of identity theft. Credit reports should reflect only the accounts that an individual has opened and managed; unfamiliar accounts may indicate fraudulent activity in your name. Each of these scenarios contributes to a larger picture of potential identity theft, making the choice that includes all of the indicators particularly comprehensive and accurate.