Identity theft happens to even the most careful, unsuspecting victims. Even those who ensure secure internet transactions and carefully guard their most private information can become victims of identity fraud. With the numerous companies that have recently lost consumers private information, including identifying characteristics such as social security numbers and medical information, protecting against identity theft is vital.
Credit Report Monitoring Service for Identity Protection
Various credit report monitoring services exist to guide individuals in maintaining a clean, theft-free credit report. These services work by monitoring a person’s credit report and notifying them of any discrepancies that may appear as fraudulent. Some even have a guarantee that will help with the financial costs of fighting identity theft.
Reporting Identity Theft
If one becomes a victim, the process of reporting it needs to begin quickly to ensure a timely, less costly path of recovery. The federal trade commission recommends taking four steps when reporting any circumstances of identity fraud, and always keeping records of any conversations.
The first step in reporting identity theft starts with placing a fraud alert report on all credit reports. According to the FTC, only contacting one credit reporting company is required, as that one must report to the other two. This can be done at one of the three credit report’s websites: TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian. If a fraud report is filed, the consumer has the legal right to request a free copy of a credit report from each reporting company, so take advantage of this and review each report carefully.
The FTC then recommends closing any accounts associated with the identity fraud. For existing accounts, request in writing, by certified letter, that all accounts be closed due to identity fraud. For newly opened accounts, the FTC recommends first filing an Identity Theft Report with the police and then proceeding to close the account. After the accounts have been closed, they should send the victim a letter stating that the accounts have been officially closed due to identity theft and request that a discharge of all debts is including in this letter.
A complaint should then be filed with the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT or going to their website. This complaint can then be added to any police reports that have been filed.
Finally, reporting the crime to the police should be the last step if it has not already been done earlier on in the process. Some police departments will allow a victim to file in person, while others have a system available online for victims. When filing a complaint, be sure to turn in the Identity Theft Report filled out with the Federal Trade Commission.
Protecting Personal Privacy Information
Although it is not always possible to prevent identity theft, all steps should be taken to ensure the highest chances of protection. Credit report monitoring services can aid those who have higher concerns, especially those who do a lot of internet business transactions or who are concerned about their personal information being lost by irresponsible companies.
For those who have been a victim of identity theft fraud, take the above steps recommended by the Federal Trade Commission to ensure proper repairing of one’s credit report. Be sure to officially file the report with the local police, and follow up with any updated information to keep the case current.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
Renee Holmes - Renee Holmes began her writing career when she was invited to join the Young Authors Club in the first grade. From that point on, writing ...
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