What to do if you are a victim of identity theft

If you are a a victim of identity theft, you can take some steps to reduce damage and to protect against the theft of the future in the process. It is important to react as soon as we discover that a theft occurred so that thieves don't have more time than necessary to completely destroy your finances or cause lots of problems. Here's what you should do:

Investigate doing everything wrong

You need to know the extent of theft in order to take appropriate action. For starters, you should obtain copies of your credit report to see what unauthorized accounts have been opened. You should also check your bank accounts, credit accounts and all other accounts for fraudulent activity. Once you have an idea of what is happening, you'll know what steps to take.

A police report on file

A police report is probably not to provoke the police to investigate the issue, because other types of crime are often a higher priority. However, it is useful to have one as you work to undo the fraud and theft. For example, your bank can easily repay any stolen money if you send a copy of police report documenting the crime. It is also part of legal documentation should you decide to pursue the matter in court.

Notify the credit bureaus

Write a letter to all three credit bureaus stating that you are a victim of identity theft. Explain the circumstances and the submission of all information about the fraudulent accounts opened in your name. Each agency, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian have fraud departments to manage cases of identity theft. Probably you will have a fraud alert on your file to make it difficult for future accounts be opened without your permission.

Contact financial institutions

You also need to send letters to each financial institution where you have an account, and where there is evidence of fraudulent activity. They may also have a Department of fraud, and to help each a victim of identity theft. It is also a good idea to make a call to those institutions where haven't noticed any tampering, where is next in line. You can ask them to place a hold on the account and not to authorize any transaction until you give them further notice.

Close fraudulent accounts and tampered with

As soon as you discover that the accounts have been opened in your name by an identity thief or tampered with, the best option is to close the accounts. Go to banks and other financial institutions in person, if it is not possible, but if you close the accounts for writing. You don't know who has your information and how many times can I was sold. Even if you ask for it to be placed on accounts, you may end up with problems in the future once the tube holds. Follow-up by filling out the necessary forms to purchases of litigation or transactions that you did not authorize.

You don't have to remain a victim of identity theft. Take these action steps to minimize the damage and recover your life.

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