Steps You Can Take to Fight ID Theft
Usually, identity thieves only need minutes to destroy someone’s identity. If you think you have been a victim of identity theft, you need to act now. Not only do you need to close all accounts and stop any further damage, but you also need to communicate with the credit bureaus, local law enforcement, and any institutions where you hold accounts that you think may be at risk. The faster you act, the less time the thief has to run up fraudulent charges in your name.
The process of reporting identity theft can be time consuming. Make sure you document all the actions taken (including the names of people and agencies you have spoken with) and record every suspicious transaction. Be prepared to present proof that your identity has been stolen, and have a record of the suspicious account activity ready at all times. Close any account that you think has been compromised or is at risk. This can include bank accounts, credit cards, department store accounts, etc. You may also want to talk with the three major credit bureaus about having a security freeze placed on your credit file so the thief cannot reopen any accounts after you have closed them and he or she cannot open new credit in your name or social security number. Communicate directly with each bank or agency and document each conversation as you may not speak with the same representative each time.
As you terminate existing credit accounts, make sure you challenge any fraudulent activity. Filing a police report may be necessary so you can prove to your credit card company (or bank) that you are investigating the charges. Getting local law enforcement involved will open an official investigation, and they will send alerts to all agencies concerned (which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contact each agency too). In the case that you were jeopardized financially, you are much more likely to receive restitution if the identity theft is verified. Send all documentation by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you have confirmation that everything was received. Never throw away papers that you used in relation to disputing an identity theft case. You never know when an issue will come up again and you may need those papers to validate that everything was taken care of and that you are innocent of any charges that were once put up against you.
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.
When contacting the three major credit agencies, call or write to their fraud departments using the following information. Usually when you contact one agency they will contact the other two for you, but it doesn’t hurt to contact each agency yourself so that you can give them a detailed account of what happened and what steps you have already taken to prevent further theft. 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 There are a number of resources available for helping you if you’re in the middle of dealing with identity theft or if you just want to learn more about how to protect yourself. Below you will find a list of some additional websites that may be of help to you.
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