If you become a victim of identity theft, swift and well documented action is essential to reduce the impact. The sooner that identity theft is discovered and action is taken, the less financial and time loss to the victim.
Remember: Maintaining detailed, organized, and thorough records is vital!
Action Steps
- Close any accounts that were accessed or compromised.
- Keep a detailed log of all contacts with agencies including date and time of calls, copies of all written correspondence (both sent and received,) etc.
- Report the fraud to the major credit bureaus.
- Create a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Request your free copies of your credit report. Your credit report is free if you are a victim of fraud.
- Complete the FTC ID Theft Complaint form and report to the FTC.
- Report to law enforcement and get copies of the police report.
- Request information on fraudulent accounts. Share this information with law enforcement.
- Contact additional fraud departments for creditors on affected accounts.
- Review credit reports. Contact credit bureaus if there is any inaccurate information.
- Document with followup letters. Send letters certified mail with a return receipt.
- Notify the U.S. Postal Inspector if your mail has been stolen or tampered with.