Contact the Authorities: Report the identity theft to your local law enforcement agency or the police. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it may be required for various identity theft-related processes.
Inform Credit Bureaus: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit report. This alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before opening any new accounts.
Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements, credit card accounts, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them immediately to the respective institutions.
File a Complaint with the FTC: Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website or by phone. The FTC collects information on identity theft cases and provides valuable resources for victims.
Notify Companies and Agencies: Reach out to the companies and agencies involved in the identity theft, such as banks, credit card companies, and government institutions. Inform them about the fraudulent activity and follow their procedures for resolution.
Freeze Your Credit: Consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts, which restricts access to your credit report. This prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts using your information.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a record of all communication with authorities, companies, and credit bureaus regarding the identity theft. This documentation can be crucial for resolving the issue and protecting your rights.
Support and Guidance: The ITRC offers personalized support and guidance to victims of identity theft. They can help you understand the steps to take, how to communicate with different institutions, and provide resources to aid in the recovery process.
Resolution Services: The ITRC may help you with the necessary paperwork, forms, and other processes required to resolve identity theft-related issues.
Education and Awareness: The ITRC works to raise awareness about identity theft, providing tips on how to prevent it and protect your information in the future.
Advocacy: The ITRC advocates for the rights of identity theft victims and provides assistance in navigating complex issues related to identity theft.
It helps to work with experts who can help you put together a playbook to get your identity back. We recommend contacting the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) which is a national non-profit that provides no-cost assistance for you if you believe your identity was stolen. Their number is 888-400-5530.