Focus On: Ientity Theft (Part III)

September 14, 2009
Posted by Employers Council

This last article in our series gives tips on how to respond when you have become a victim of identity theft. Time is of the essence, so you must act quickly and assertively. Take the following steps to help minimize the damage:

1. Establish fraud alerts with the three credit reporting bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. When you notify one bureau that you are a victim of identity theft, it will notify the other two for you. You should also “freeze” your credit reports so you can prevent credit issuers from accessing your credit files except when you give permission. In all communications with the credit bureaus, refer to the unique number assigned to your credit report, and use certified, return receipt mail. Be sure to save copies of all credit reports and correspondence as part of a fraud documentation file.

2. Once you have received your three credit reports, examine each one carefully. Report fraudulent accounts and erroneous information, in writing, to both the credit bureaus and the credit issuers, following the instructions provided with the credit reports.

3. Report the crime to your local police department. If the crime occurred somewhere other than where you live, you might also need to report it to other police department(s). Give the police as much documented evidence as possible. Make sure the police report lists the fraudulent accounts. Get a copy of the police report.

4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Although the FTC does not itself investigate identity theft cases, they share such information with investigators nationwide who are fighting identity theft. Print a copy of your online complaint form – because this FTC complaint form, in conjunction with the police report, can constitute an Identity Theft Report and entitle you to certain protections.

Being a victim of identity theft can be overwhelming and incredibly frustrating. For additional advice, visit the FTC's "Identity Theft: Tools for Victims" Website at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/tools.html. The site has tools designed to assist you in resolving identity theft disputes and in asserting your legal rights.