If you are the victim of identity theft it is vital that you act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage to your name and your financial reputation. There are many excellent publications and you may find it helpful to read them. But do so before you become a victim. If the worst happens you won't have time to read a book. Be prepared. If you discover you are a victim immediately take the following steps.
Credit Bureaus
Report the situation to the fraud units of all three credit reporting agencies. Since April 2003, when you notify one credit bureau, they notify the other two, but it won't hurt to do it yourself and it might help. Report that your identifying information is being used by an unauthorized person or people to obtain credit fraudulently in your name. Ask that your file be flagged with a Fraud Alert. Fraud alerts usually expire after 90 to 180 days. Ask that that period be extended to 7 years. Add a victim's statement to your credit report. Obtain and keep a copy of this statement. Print out or ask the credit agency to send you a copy of your credit report. Save it as part of your fraud documentation.
Under a recent California law, victims of identity theft are, upon request, entitled to receive one free credit report each month for the twelve months following the crime.
Creditors - New and Existing Accounts
Review your credit report to see which creditors have reported activity that is fraudulent. Immediately contact all new and existing creditors that have become involved, by telephone and again in writing, including a copy of the Fraud Report in each. If you wish to maintain an account with a business, replace the existing account with new account with a different account number. Report all existing accounts as "lost or stolen".
Driver's License Number Misuse
Call the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state and find out if a new driver's license has been issued in your name. If possible, put a fraud alert on your license. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for full details on how obtain a new driver's license.
Law Enforcement
Report the crime to the local police department or sheriffs' office. Give them as much documented evidence as you can. Make sure the report lists the fraudulent accounts and request a copy of the report. Obtain the name and badge number of working on your case and provide them to creditors or others who desire verification of your situation. It is a violation of Federal Law (18 USC 1028) and California State Law (Ca. Penal Code 530.5) to assume someone's identity for fraudulent purposes. Some law enforcement agencies prefer not to write reports on identity theft crimes, so be persistent.
Keep a Complete Record
When dealing with the authorities, creditors and financial institutions keep a log of names, dates, times, correspondence addresses and telephone numbers include a synopsis of all conversations. Follow up all conversations in writing, recapping the conversation and any conclusions that were reached. Keep and file all correspondence. Send all correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested. Print out and file all email. Keep a record of the amount of time you spend working on the matter: you may later be able to seek restitution.
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