Crux Polaris
14 November 2005, 09:00
What to do if you’ve become a victim of identity theft.
Note that this is but a short list of the immediate steps you should take if you are the victim of identity theft. It is not exhaustive, so talk to your credit agency, your bank, and your local law enforcement for more details.
There are quite a few things you should do if you discover that you are a victim of identity theft. In 70% of cases, the victim is the one who discovers what has happened and it is vital that one take action immediately when this happens.
+ Obtain a copy of your credit report immediately. Most credit reference agencies can provide you with this almost instantly. Study your credit report thoroughly, marking off points you need to look into, and points you know are there because of the theft. Keep track of all your actions; who you talk to and when, copies of letters sent and received, print e-mails and keep a record of your telephone usage. Your credit reference agency may be able to help you with this – take advantage of what they can offer. Check this page (http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/fraud_numbers.html) for numbers in the US. In the UK, you should contact Equifax (http://www.equifax.co.uk/).
+ Contact your bank(s) as soon as possible. If need be, have your bank accounts frozen, and the account numbers changed. Your bank will also be helpful in getting to the bottom of what has happened – also take advantage of the services they can offer.
+ Contact your local law enforcement agency at once. They will take your report and give you a reference number that you can call for more help and assistance in getting the theft investigated. Ask for it if it is not volunteered.
+ Go through all your personal documents, e.g., passport, visas, financial documents, etc., and report everything missing or stolen, even if you think there’s a possibility you’ve just misplaced it. Better safe than sorry.
+ Notify your post office if you suspect that your mail has been stolen or a redirection service might have been set up fraudulently on your address.
This article Copyright:
Fraudwatchers.org 2005
Written by Crux Polaris.
Note that this is but a short list of the immediate steps you should take if you are the victim of identity theft. It is not exhaustive, so talk to your credit agency, your bank, and your local law enforcement for more details.
There are quite a few things you should do if you discover that you are a victim of identity theft. In 70% of cases, the victim is the one who discovers what has happened and it is vital that one take action immediately when this happens.
+ Obtain a copy of your credit report immediately. Most credit reference agencies can provide you with this almost instantly. Study your credit report thoroughly, marking off points you need to look into, and points you know are there because of the theft. Keep track of all your actions; who you talk to and when, copies of letters sent and received, print e-mails and keep a record of your telephone usage. Your credit reference agency may be able to help you with this – take advantage of what they can offer. Check this page (http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/fraud_numbers.html) for numbers in the US. In the UK, you should contact Equifax (http://www.equifax.co.uk/).
+ Contact your bank(s) as soon as possible. If need be, have your bank accounts frozen, and the account numbers changed. Your bank will also be helpful in getting to the bottom of what has happened – also take advantage of the services they can offer.
+ Contact your local law enforcement agency at once. They will take your report and give you a reference number that you can call for more help and assistance in getting the theft investigated. Ask for it if it is not volunteered.
+ Go through all your personal documents, e.g., passport, visas, financial documents, etc., and report everything missing or stolen, even if you think there’s a possibility you’ve just misplaced it. Better safe than sorry.
+ Notify your post office if you suspect that your mail has been stolen or a redirection service might have been set up fraudulently on your address.
This article Copyright:
Fraudwatchers.org 2005
Written by Crux Polaris.