Many people around world are fighting against identity theft. More than eleven million people during the year 2004 were targeted for identity theft and instantly had to begin battling for their life back once they found that their identity was stolen.
Some identity theft victims do not find out right away that their identity is stolen, thus the thief goes for days or weeks stealing from the victim, before evidence crops up leading to the crime.
To cover crimes and so forth, criminals have stolen identities to commit additional crimes. Few steal identities, bleed the victim dry and files bankruptcy in the victims name just to make a statement.
In other words, the criminal gets kicks out of causing others harm. The criminal may open accounts in the victims name, apply for jobs or credit cards, or else use up the victims credit cards until the max is reached.
Steps to Be Followed By an Identity Theft Victim
Therefore, if you suspect you are an identity theft victim, it is significant to report the crime right away.
Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse
First, you must report the crime to the authorities and then move onto the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse. The identity theft clearinghouse will spread the word to creditors, credit bureaus, law enforcement, attorneys, consumer companies and other sources informing them that you are an identity theft victim.
Therefore, you will need to request for your credit reports and report the act of crime to TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian right away. Ensure that the credit bureaus put up a Fraud Alert or Freeze on your account after reporting about the crime.
Depends on the state you live in, but few states provide the freeze option, which is much better choice than fraud alerts. The fraud alerts only instigate assumptions on the creditors' part, while the freeze will prevent the thief and others from gaining access to your accounts.
Department of Motor Vehicle and Social Security Administration
Next, you will need to contact and alert the Department of Motor Vehicle and Social Security Administration that your identity was stolen. Thus, contact each source by phone and letter and make copies of your written letters storing them in a safe place.
Drum up a plan backed with strategies before you start writing letters, because professionalism is essential to get results. Panicking when a crime is committed against them is one of the biggest mistakes people make, thus acting out on emotions will only since more harm than good.
Ensure that you understand all details provided to you when reporting identity theft. Thus, enforce your crime to the proper the authorities with assertiveness to let them know that you are not playing and that you are a victim of a crime and you want results.
It is difficult to get credit, rent, much less buy a home, or else get a credit card in your name when your identity is stolen. Once you become an identity theft victim, you will live a victim throughout your lifetime in most instances.
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