Dealing with Identity Theft
Taking the right steps immediately after you discover that you have been the victim of an identity theft is extremely important. The following are some of the steps which you should immediately consider making.
1. Place a fraud alert
One of the first things you should do is to place a fraud alert. Not reporting the case will only put you more at risk. This is the only way by which you can limit the actions of the thief. There are two kinds of fraud alert.An extended or initial fraud alert. For cases where an identity theft has already taken place, an extended fraud alert is used. With this type of fraud alert, transactions will only be allowed on your account after you have been personally identified. The other type of fraud alert is that of the initial fraud alert. In this instance, you can choose to place an alert even before you become a victim of identity theft. For example, in instance where your wallet gets stolen or missing, an initial fraud alert can be placed to prevent anyone else from using your credit details.
2.Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
Since you obviously do not have your credit cards anymore, you will need to consider opening a new account. You will also need to acquire fresh credit and ATM cards. Take time out to write to the various establishments. Although you still will have to call, writing them letters will help you keep a record of the details surrounding your requests. Most credit institutions will request for this anyway.
3. File a report with the correct agencies
Cases of identity theft are taken very seriously. It is wrong to just let it lie. Once you are done protecting yourself, make sure that you file a report of the incidence with the affected agency. People are urged to submit report of incidences of file identity theft to either the local police force or federal trade commission.
Finally, it is vital that you become more conscious of your security. In most cases of Identity theft, people lose their information not because they were attacked by a world class theif, but because they simply weren’t carful enough.
Identity Theft Protection Services
Preventing Identity Theft
