Victim From Identity Theft?
If you are suffering from Identity theft, here is a check list for you to follow in order to put the necessary steps in place to start to repair any damage.
- Notify Credit Bureaus - There are three credit card reporting companies; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Usually when you notify one of this bureaus, the others will be notified immediately. If you place a fraud alert - this means you are letting creditors know something is wrong. Creditors are required to call you before extending credit. This action will deter any credit cards from being open in your name.
- Report the Crime - Report the fraud to your local sheriff’s office as well as where the crime occurred, if it’s somewhere other than where you live. Provide the Police Department as much information as possible, including all the accounts that have be abused.
- Federal Trade Commission - Report any action to the FTC including your police report number. The FTC will not investigate identity theft, they will share information with investigators nationwide.
- New Accounts Opened? - Where there new accounts opened under your name? If so contact the creditors immediately by telephone and in writing. Most likely you will have to fill out fraud affidavits.