Real Life Information...
RECOVER FROM IDENTITY THEFT
RECOVER FROM IDENTITY THEFT
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All information is provided as is. Additional research and information verification should be done before using any information
provided on this site. We make no guaranties as to accuracy, content, truthfulness, quality, or fitness for a particular purpose of any
of the information presented on this site. We do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for any incorrect, misleading,
outdated, or missing information. Additionally, we are not responsible for the contents of any off site pages that are referenced in
this site or are linked to from this site. All web pages presented on this site are subject to copyright law protection, whether stated
or implied - all rights reserved.
What Are The Steps I Should Take If I'm A Victim Of
Identity Theft? (cont'd)
Identity Theft? (cont'd)
2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe,
have been tampered with or opened
fraudulently.
If you are a victim of identity theft, call and speak with
have been tampered with or opened
fraudulently.
If you are a victim of identity theft, call and speak with
For new unauthorized accounts, you can either file a dispute directly with the company
or file a report with the police and provide a copy, called an “Identity Theft Report,” to
the company. If you want to file a dispute directly with the company, and do not want
to file a report with the police, ask if the company accepts the FTC’s ID Theft Affidavit
(PDF, 56 KB). If it does not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud
dispute forms.
However, filing a report with the police and then providing the company with an Identity
Theft Report will give you greater protection. For example, if the company has already
reported these unauthorized accounts or debts on your credit report, an Identity Theft
Report will require them to stop reporting that fraudulent information. Use the cover
letter to explain to the company the rights you have by using the Identity Theft Report.
More information about getting and using an Identity Theft Report can be found here.
Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter
stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the
fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account
reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
Next: Step 3 - File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Back to: Recover from Identity Theft Overview
or file a report with the police and provide a copy, called an “Identity Theft Report,” to
the company. If you want to file a dispute directly with the company, and do not want
to file a report with the police, ask if the company accepts the FTC’s ID Theft Affidavit
(PDF, 56 KB). If it does not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud
dispute forms.
However, filing a report with the police and then providing the company with an Identity
Theft Report will give you greater protection. For example, if the company has already
reported these unauthorized accounts or debts on your credit report, an Identity Theft
Report will require them to stop reporting that fraudulent information. Use the cover
letter to explain to the company the rights you have by using the Identity Theft Report.
More information about getting and using an Identity Theft Report can be found here.
Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter
stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the
fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account
reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
Next: Step 3 - File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Back to: Recover from Identity Theft Overview
someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing,
and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify
credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return
receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a
file of your correspondence and enclosures.
and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify
credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return
receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a
file of your correspondence and enclosures.
Overview Real Life Info Everyday Life Relationships Parenting Spirituality Making a Difference Career Homes Travel
When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and
passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name,
your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone
number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name,
your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone
number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or has fraudulently
opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions:
For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you the
company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use the
sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to the
company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for sending your
payments.
opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions:
For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you the
company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use the
sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to the
company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for sending your
payments.
