What to do If Identity is Stolen?

What should you do if your identity is stolen?
As a victim of identity theft, time and communication are both critical.  It is imperative that you take the necessary steps immediately to discontinue all means of fraud.  Not only do you need to stop any potential damage by closing accounts that are vulnerable to the attack, but it is also important to communicate with local law enforcement and the FTC to support any damage claims.  Always keep records of all communication. 

The process must begin with detailed documentation. You must record all occurences of identity theft, specifically identifying related damages.   You can file a complaint with the FTC using the online complaint form; or call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.  Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional information or problems.  

                                 
After necessary documentation is completed, you should proceed to contact the police. The police are needed to facilitate the process, opening the investigation and then sending alerts to all agencies concerned. In the case that you were jeopardized financially, you have a much stronger chance at restitution if the identity theft is verified.

Finally, after you have communicated with the authorities, you must now contact your lending firms and credit bureaus. Be sure to inform them of the situation, acknowledging that you have taken the necessary legal measures. Request discontinuance on credit accounts, making sure to challenge the illegal activity.  You can contact them at the following:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

What can you do to fight identity theft?

Identity theft is an issue which continues to grow in severity, becoming more prominent as the years go by. Just as with any other criminal activity, much can be done to prevent consistent occurrences of this appalling crime. The activity of identity thieves could significantly decline, if only consumers would become aware of necessary prevention methods.

Personal awareness is the most functional prevention against the tribulations of identity theft. When a consumer is adequately versed in his surroundings, he is less susceptible to incidents of identity theft. As a potential victim, you must be aware of the danger of revealing personal information, acknowledging the consequences of such actions. By maintaining awareness regarding any incidents, you prevent large-scale thefts from occurring.

If something does come up, one must comprehend the capabilities needed to discontinue activity, before it becomes uncontrollable. As you learn more about the subject, contact all acquaintances, informing them of what you know. The more people who involve themselves in the cause, the easier its prevention will become. To learn more about fighting identity theft, you can attain additional materials from the FTC, which works relentlessly to offset the dangers of identity theft.

Should you file a police report due to stolen identity?

After becoming conscious of the situation at hand, many identity theft victims are reluctant to contact the police. Despite the hesitant feelings you may have regarding reality, it is definitely necessary to contact the authorities. Contacting the police will not only be needed to initiate the investigation process, it will also demonstrate your sincerity when contacting any business which may be involved in the compromise.

The report regarding such an incident is referred to as an Identity Theft Report, and its completion entitles you to legal protection concerning the publication of fraudulent activity. The process will also protect you from related obstruction, dispatching official fraudulence alerts to each of your credit agencies. In the police report, you are required to provide specific details which verify the identity theft. When reports are reviewed, a lack of substantial evidence will discontinue your legal protection.

Moreover, the filing of a report will provide you with the thief’s probable method of identity penetration. You are also assured that if found, the thief will be prosecuted for his actions. Undeniably, this task is imperative in the resolution process, also preventing further compromise of your identity.

What do I do if the police won't take my report?

Unfortunately, some local police agencies remain unaware about new developments that occur. The hierarchy of the system attempts to inform all agencies on the procedures involved, but some departments maintain their unwillingness to employ such reports. In the case that your local police refuses to accept a report, uphold your grounds and make certain they file your documents. Identity theft reports are of the utmost importance, and should be enforced at all times.

If the local police persist to reject your report, proceed to follow these steps as means of enforcing your demands:

• Obtain a copy of the law enforcement cover letter, then presenting it to the police official. This letter contains all information regarding legal procedures related to identity theft. Additionally, the letter serves as verification of the Identity Theft Report’s importance.
• Produce as much evidence as possible, proving the severity of your case. Provide substantiating documents – Debt collection letters, credit reports, a copy of your printed ID Theft Complaints, all serve as proof of your dilemma.
• Be persistent about the importance of the report. Remind the authorities of their legal responsibility, while displaying your sincerity to resolve the pending issue.
• If they inform you that they do not handle Identity Theft under their system, make sure to file a miscellaneous report, then proceeding to contact higher forms of enforcement. As a final resort, contact the state police or the Federal Trade Commission for more information.