The Steps to Recovering from Identity Theft

Identity theft is when someone compromises your information security and uses your identifying information, such as your Social Security or credit card, to commit fraud or crime. If your identity is stolen, be prepared by knowing the steps you should take to recovery from this stressful event.

Credit Card Notification

If credit cards were stolen or you suspect someone used your credit card information, notify your credit card company of the date and time the credit cards were stolen or compromised. Request replacement cards and change your passwords. Pay authorized charges but hold back payment of unauthorized charges.

Credit Reporting Agencies

Contact the three main credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Ask them for a free credit report to check for incorrect charges. Ask the agency to set you up on its fraud alert program. Check your credit report four times a year for any information that looks incorrect and notify the agencies of this issue. If any credit card accounts appear on the report that you did not set up, call the companies involved and close the account.

Bank Statements

Closely examine your bank statements for unusual charges. An identity thief will create mock checks with your banking information and present them as if you had written them.

Law Enforcement

Notify your local police department and obtain a copy of the police report. Ask that your situation be entered into the NCIC Identity Theft File. According to The Police Chief website, this central system provides a way to track down stolen identities.

Federal Trade Commission

Report the theft using the Federal Trade Commission's website page at consumer.gov/idtheft (see Resources). The site provides guidelines for reporting the theft if your information has been stolen by an identity thief or if it was just stolen but not by an identity theft.

Credit Entity Notication

Mail copies of the FTC ID Fraud Affidavit and a letter disputing unauthorized charges to the three main credit bureaus and collection agencies so that you have gone on record that there could be fraudulent charges that are not yours. The letter needs to provide details of when the theft occurred, which accounts are suspected having problems, indicating you did not make the fraudulent charges and request that the accounts in question not be placed on your credit report.