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How to Act Swiftly After Identity Theft to Minimize Damage
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If you think someone has used your identity, the first thing you should do is alert your financial institution so they can take immediate action to mitigate the potential consequences. Next, call the company where the fraud occurred and report the activity.
There are several steps you can then take to limit your losses and potentially recover funds that may have been stolen or used fraudulently.
Main points
- If you believe you are a victim identity theftcontact your financial institution immediately.
- Next, contact credit bureau Activate a fraud alert and freeze your credit.
- Then, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department.
- Finally, start repairing any damage to your credit or accounts and monitor it at least monthly.
How to report identity theft
After reporting the activity to your financial institution and company, contact the credit bureaus and initiate a fraud alert. Any business a thief attempts to use your credit will receive Fraud alert and are asked to verify the person’s identity.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also recommends reporting fraud to them so they can help you recover your losses. The institution has a Online form You can use or call 1-877-438-4338.
Consider filing a report with your local police department (it may help you take additional steps you may need to take). When you do this:
- Attach your FTC identity theft complaint
- Attached is a memo from the FTC explaining why police reports are so important
- Provide any other documentation showing evidence of identity theft, such as your credit report or debt collection letters
- Ask the police officer to include the FTC complaint in the police report so you can dispute it with credit bureaus and lenders
When you file a police report, be sure to ask for a copy.
Additional Action: Get your credit report
Additionally, you should obtain the latest credit report And start working with creditors and credit bureaus to update your credit history. The table below contains credit bureau contact information and links to report fraud and submit a credit report Freeze your credit.
If you’re dealing with credit damage, you can get help Best Credit Repair Company. You can do everything a credit repair company does yourself, but a quality company can take on the tedious and time-consuming process on your behalf and fix inaccurate information on your credit report.
bottom line
Someone stealing and then using your identity can be a scary experience, but if you know what to do beforehand, you can take immediate action when you spot suspicious behavior Fraudulent activities. Once reported, you can begin to repair any damage.
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