Be calm if you have been a sufferer of identity theft. It is a difficult
task to restore your identity and reputation. Follow the steps
mentioned below to combat the situation. According to a study done by Identity Theft Resource Center, it
takes approximately 600 hours of work to get back your credit and good name.
This figure is a 300 percent increase from previous years.
If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, you need to take four
immediate steps and begin documenting your case:
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review the credit reports
that you receive
Contact any one of the following three major credit bureaus to place the
fraud alert. The bureau you contacted will then contact the other two
bureaus to place a fraud alert on them as well.
Experian (www.experian.com) (Phone No. 888-397-3742)
Find contact details to reach Experian through the Contact Us page. You can also have a live contact with a person at Experian if you have a report number. After accessing your report online, immediately write down the report numbers.
Equifax (www.equifax.com) (Phone No. 800-685-1111)
TransUnion (www.tuc.com) (Phone No. 800-916-8800)
Close tampered or fraudulently opened accounts
After closing all such accounts make sure that you receive a letter
mentioning account closure and a clearance letter.
File a report with your local police
File a complaint with the FTC.
The process of reclaiming your identity starts rolling of papers in and out of your life. Following are few tips to help you assemble and support your case by keeping a good paper track.
You must follow up in writing with all contacts you’ve made on the phone or in person. Use certified mail with return receipt requested.
Maintain a file containing copies of all correspondence or forms you send
Note down the name of the person you talk to, what information he or she provided, and the conversation date
Send copies only; keep the original documents in your file
Set up a filing system so that you can easily access your documents
Don’t discard the file even if your case is closed. There are chances of errors reappearing on your credit reports and this is one of the most difficult and annoying aspects of identity theft. Should this happen, you’ll be relieved you kept your files.
