What Happens When You Know The Person Stealing Your Identity?

Fri, Sep 05, 2008 at 7:00:00 am PDT

I was perusing the discussions section of the website earlier this week (thank you to those who participate) and I happened to notice two different posts from people who knew someone who had either stolen their identity or was attempting to steal their identity. Both seemed uncertain of the social protocol involved with how to approach these situations.

What do you do in a situation like that? You really only have two choices. The ideal choice would be to report the crime and get your good name cleared. But some people tend to opt for living with the permanent marks of bad credit that have been thrust upon them by perpetrators they know.

Many people don’t report friends or family members who have stolen their identities because they don’t want to “ruin the relationship”. But isn’t a relationship already ruined if the other person has defrauded you? Where is the trust after that? Some don’t want to risk ruining relationships with other people who may take the thief’s side. But those people don’t have to live with the consequences of someone else’s negative actions, so it’s a lot easier for them to “just move on” from it.

Let me encourage you to report all forms of identity theft and credit fraud that have been committed whether you know the perpetrator or not. Begin by contacting all three credit bureaus and informing them that you have been a victim of identity theft. Then, file a police report and if you fear for your safety let the officer you are working with know why. Don’t be afraid to ask for protection you might be entitled to.

Confronting your perpetrator face to face isn’t really necessary once the crime has taken place. The second his or her activity went on your credit report, things became a public matter. But, if you suspect someone might be trying to steal your identity, you might want to bring up the topic of identity theft and see how he or she responds. Let him or her know that you know what he or she is up to and offer to get him or her help.

But, whatever you do, don’t ignore crimes that have been committed against you. Identity theft and credit fraud are always a big deal. They present problems that can last a lifetime and won’t just go away. Protect yourself. After all, it is your identity.