Identity Theft

Although you may take every possible step to prevent identity theft, it may still happen to you. It is imperative to know the proper places to report identity theft if you or someone you know should become a victim. Many victims do not know how to report the crime or may miss important aspects of reporting identity theft, making it more difficult to repair their credit and prosecute a suspect.

At First Suspicion

If you suspect identity theft report it immediately. Here are some places you need to report the theft to:

> Credit reporting bureaus. Contact all three reporting bureaus to place a fraud alert on them.

> Close all the accounts that have been used or tampered with even if you aren’t sure how much the account has been used.

> Call your local police and the police where the fraud may have occurred if you know. File reports at both police departments, without a police report the police are unable to investigate and prosecuted any suspects in full.

> Contact the Federal Trade Commission or FTC and file a complaint. The FTC maintains a database accessible to law enforcement agencies about identity thefts.

Taking action as soon as you suspect identity theft will help to stop any further charges you may have to untangle.

The Next Step

After you have begun the process of reclaiming your identity through reporting and account closures you need to continue to restore your identity and prevent further attacks. You can become a victim of identity theft again so it is important to take steps to prevent others from gaining access to your identity. The repair process can take years and can be difficult and frustrating. You may need to be aggressive to receive justice.

> Continue to monitor your credit reports as often as possible, doing so will allow you to catch mistakes and discrepancies quickly.

> Work with you credit card companies to resolve losses and prevent further charges. Working as a team you and your credit card companies may help to prosecute any suspects charged.

> Take an active stand against identity thieves by working with the police and prosecutors to insure perpetrators are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

> Learn all the ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim again. The Federal Trade Commission has much information available to anyone willing to read it.

> Purchase a shredder and shred all old papers on documents when disposing of them. The garbage is the number one place criminals find information needed to steal your identity.

Although it may seem like you have to fight to renew your own identity, it is important you continue to be assertive. Identity theft can completely ruin your hard earned credit and reputation. Staying on top of your credit with regular checking will greatly reduce the chance you will become a victim.

If you or someone you know should ever become a victim of identity theft it is important to report the theft to the proper places. Continuing to be vigilant in protecting and repairing your identity after theft is just as important. Finally, share your knowledge with others so they too may help prevent identity theft.