Identity Theft Restoration Can be Easier than You Think

If you have had your identity stolen, you may be at a loss about how to proceed. Identity theft restoration can be a lengthy process; it helps to know and follow the following steps.

First, file a police report in the jurisdiction where the crime took place the moment you believe you have been the victim of identity theft. Usually the police are willing to take down a report of identity theft on the first request. If for some reason you meet with reluctance, try another jurisdiction or the state police. Having this report is key to the next steps. When the report is filed, make sure you have a copy.

Your next step is to obtain a copy of your credit report, if you haven’t already. For this, you contact any one of the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. You can call them or find them on-line. Alert them to the fact that your identity has been stolen when requesting your report.

When you receive the report, go over it in detail. Review every entry to determine which ones are fraudulent. Make detailed notes on what you uncover, because your next step is to file a dispute claim with the credit agency for each transaction that is not legitimate. These forms are available on-line from the credit bureaus and can be completed on-line, or printed out, filled out and mailed.

Now your patience and perseverance may be tested. Once the credit bureau has received your dispute claim or claims, they will review them. You may need to initiate follow-up calls. The agency might need additional information from you. Make detailed notes of every contact you have: what information was requested, whom you spoke to, and what plan was agreed to by both parties. Your goal is to have the credit reporting agency block you from responsibility for any charges you did not make.

Be sure to use certified mail and request a return receipt when sending your information. This will help ensure that busy staffers at credit bureaus see your documents and respond to you.

In addition to working with credit bureaus, it is important to contact the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Report and the Fraudulent Account Statement. These documents will help you refute any charges or purchases made by the thief in your name with individual creditors, banks or companies.

You will also want to contact the Social Security Administration, whether or not your social security card was stolen. An identity thief can find your social security number using other forms of your ID. Notify the SSA that you are the victim of identity theft and ask for a report of your social security statement so that you can validate that your earnings are accurate.

Restoring your identity may take awhile. Try to remain vigilant in monitoring your credit reports and quickly refuting any erroneous charges. Eventually, you will prevail.