Your Identity Has Been Stolen... What Now?
When your identity has been stolen, it can be overwhelming to move forward. To minimize the damage of a stolen identity, follow these eight steps:
(Important Note: Keep copies of all letters, police reports, and affidavits. Keep record of all phone calls including whom you spoke with, when you spoke with them, and the details of your conversation.)
1. Contact the three major credit card bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit cards.
2. Contact the creditors on any account that was opened fraudulently.
Ask to speak to someone in the Security or Fraud Department. Always follow up any call in writing, preferably email.
3. Call your credit card issuers.
Contact your credit card issuers right away to check on the status of your accounts if your bills do not arrive on time. If necessary, close all your accounts. Keep a record of all your account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers in a safe place separate from your credit cards so you can report a loss quickly.
4. File a report with your local police.
If the event happened elsewhere, file an event in the community where the theft took place. Make a copy of the police report in case your bank, credit card company, or any other involved party needs a copy.
5. Follow the recovery steps listed at IdentityTheft.gov.
6. Inform your local Department of Public Safety
If your driver's license number has been compromised, contact the DPS to obtain a new driver's license number.
7. Call the Social Security Administration.
If your social security number has been compromised, contact the SSA to obtain a new social security number.
8. Contact the Internal Revenue Service.
If someone has assumed your identity to file income tax returns or to commit tax fraud, contact the IRS.
Moving Forward
Once resolved, follow these easy tips for identity theft prevention.
identity theft prevention tips