Identity theft can be one of the most difficult types of theft to overcome. With just a few simple pieces of information, a violator can use your information over and over before you become the least bit suspicious. Not only can immediate fraudulent issues arise, you may find other fraudulent issues years after the actual theft occurred. It is important to be diligent about protecting your information. Still, if you do find that your information is at risk, a few steps will assist you in correcting the issues.
Be Proactive
The best way to ensure you are protected from identity theft is to be proactive. Secure your personal information. Shred personal files for which you no longer have use. Don't give out your personal information unless it is to someone you have confirmed to be an authorized entity. Most important, check your credit reports regularly for unfamiliar activity.
Involve the FTC
If you find your information has been compromised, take note of as much information as possible. File an Identity Theft Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Take the completed complaint card with you to the police department. There, file an identity theft report with the station. These reports will activate your rights to block certain collection activity on these fraudulent accounts and those that may come in the future.
Inform the Credit Agencies
Contact the three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) and report the fraudulent activity to these agencies. Provide the agency representatives with the report numbers you received from the Federal Trade Commission and the police station. The agencies will update your reports to show there is suspected fraudulent activity. The reporting agencies will also make a special note on your reports to make creditors aware, should they look at your reports.
Contact Your Creditors
Contact your creditors and banking institutions to make them aware of the activity. As with the credit reporting agencies, provide the creditors and banking institutions with as much information as possible. Provide them with the file numbers you obtained from the FTC and the police station. You may be able to obtain a copy of the theft's applications for credit from the creditors. To do this, you must provide the creditor with a copy of the police report and a written request. Generally, these requests are handled by the creditor's fraudulent investigations department and can take up to 45 days for receipt.
Be Vigilant
Continue to be vigilant. You may receive calls or letters from the creditors or reporting agencies. If you do, provide as much information and answer any follow-up questions they have in a timely fashion. Check your reports every three months for at least the first 12 months. After you see the activity begin to cease, you can return to reviewing your reports every six to 12 months. It is also a good idea to check your driving history and criminal background reports, even if you have never had any past criminal activity. Don't underestimate the thief. Some thieves steal identities simply to sell to other parties.
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