Reporting Identity Theft

If you are a victim of identity theft or suspect that identity theft has occurred there are several steps that are recommended by the Federal Trade Commission for you to take. It is imperative that you act quickly to limit the amount of damage that can be done by thieves. Taking action quickly will minimize damages to your identity and help you to restore your identity.

When someone wishes to open a new financial account of any kind in your name, the credit bureau is often checked. All accounts that go unpaid are listed on your credit report. It is imperative that if you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft that you put a fraud alert on your credit reports. Additionally, check the reports frequently for changes in activities such as new accounts.

Close accounts that you know have been compromised. Cancel credit cards and alert the credit card companies that you are a victim of identity theft. You should speak directly with the fraud department for each credit card and bank account. Additionally, send in a written alert to the companies with photocopies of any documentation that you have supporting your claim to being a victim of identity theft. You should request their fraud dispute claim forms for fraudulent charges and for accounts that you did not start. Many people will file a report with their local police department and send this in with their fraud alert and fraud dispute forms.

The final step to take when identity theft is suspected or occurred is to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. If the charges or fraud occurred in another city, file a report with the police department for that city as well as the law enforcement department for your city of residence. Keep copies of all these reports to give to financial institutions and the credit report companies.