I am a Victim Now What?
Regardless of how careful you are you can still fall victim to identity theft. No method is foolproof. If you are in a situation where your identity is being jeopardized there are steps to take immediately. These general actions should be used for anyone who has their identity taken. Nonetheless, depending on your specific circumstances there may be other measures you will be required to take as well.
The Federal Trade Commission suggests taking the following steps.
- Contact a credit bureau and request a fraud alert is put on your credit. The agency you contact is required to notify the remaining 2 agencies. The contact information for the agencies is below:
- Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
A fraud alert will help prevent a criminal from obtaining more credit in your name. You are entitled to free copies of your credit reports if you are the victim of identity theft. Once you receive them review them immediately. Be suspicious of any inaccurate information, such as mailing addresses.
The credit bureaus offer two types of fraud alerts.
- Initial alert. This will remain on your report for 90 days. This alert would be used if your personal information has been stolen.
- Extended alert. This will stay on your report for 7 years. This alert is only used if you have been a victim of identity theft. The credit bureaus will provide you with 2 free copies of your report per year to monitor any changes or inaccuracies. Furthermore, your name will be removed from marketing lists for a time of 5 years.
There must be proof of identity theft in order to place either alert on your account. If you are trying to obtain credit with either alert on your report, expect a phone call and other verifications prior to being approved.
2. Close any accounts that were tampered with.
Contact the fraud department of your credit cards by phone and with a certified letter. Let them know as soon as possible that you were a victim of identity theft and to shut down the account immediately.
Avoid using the same passwords or Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). Never use a pass code that is easy to crack, such as your birthday, mother’s maiden name or other personal information.
Additionally, request a letter from any creditor where fraudulent activity occurred stating that the account was closed and the charges were discharged. Keep this letter for your records in case you are contacted in the future regarding the debt.
3. Contact the local police department.
File a report about the crime that occurred. If the police will not provide you with a copy of the report then request the police report number.
Some jurisdictions will be hesitant to write a report, in that instance simply ask to file a Miscellaneous Incident report. If the jurisdiction will not file either report go to your county or state police. Odds are that you should not have any problems filing a report, since most states now require the officer take reports of Identity Theft.
4. Contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint report.
The FTC keeps track of all identity theft claims. By taking this step it helps the law enforcement officials locate identity criminals nationally. The FTC will investigate companies for violations of laws as well. You can file a complaint with the FTC online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or by telephone at 877-IDTHEFT.
