Victims of Identity Theft: A Step-By-Step Legal Guide

There are plenty of resources for victims of identity theft on the web, but there are very few that give concrete information about what you should do if you are a victim. How should you react? What should come first? Where might the repercussions lie? Following is a step-by-step legal guide for victims of identity theft.

Victims of Identity Theft. Step #1: Don’t Panic

As a victim of identity theft, I know that the tendency is to retreat into blind panic, but you must remain calm. As soon as you discover that something is amiss on your credit report – such as a denial of credit you don’t understand – react immediately. Time is of the essence in these cases, and if you panic, you won’t be able to respond logically.

Victims of Identity Theft. Step #2: Call Each Credit Agency

Phone each credit agency (contact information is listed below) and inform them that you have been a victim of identity theft. Request a free copy of your credit report, which is allowed in situations of fraud, and request that a victim’s statement be placed in your credit file. Although this will stop you from applying for credit yourself, it will also keep whoever has stolen your identity from obtaining credit illegally.

Victims of Identity Theft. Step #3: Start a Journal

Purchase a wire-bound notebook, and begin recording every step you take. Every phone call, every letter sent or received, and every discovery of fraud should be recorded here, along with the date of discovery and, if possible, the date of activity. Include the names of credit representatives to whom you speak and the substance of any conversations.

Victims of Identity Theft. Step #4: Contact the Police

Call the local police and file a report with their department. The case number that is assigned to you should then be given to the credit agencies and to any creditors whose accounts you didn’t open yourself. Although the theif will probably never be caught, you must have a case number on record.