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What to Do if You Have Become a Victim of Identity Theft
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Taking these steps can help you regain control over your identity and minimize the potential damage caused by identity theft.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
- Determine the extent of the identity theft. Review your credit reports, bank statements, and account statements for unauthorized activity.
2. Place a Fraud Alert
- Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
3. Request Your Credit Report
- Obtain a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review it for any unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
4. Report to the Authorities
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): You can do this on IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will provide you with a recovery plan based on your situation.
- File a police report: Report the identity theft to your local police department, especially if the thief used your information to commit crimes.
5. Contact Your Financial Institutions
- Inform your credit union and credit card companies about the identity theft. They can close affected accounts and help you monitor for further unauthorized transactions.
6. Secure Your Online Accounts
- Change passwords for your online accounts immediately. Use strong, unique passwords and consider enabling two-factor authentication where available.
7. Dispute Unauthorized Transactions
- If you see unauthorized charges or accounts on your credit report, contact the creditors to dispute these charges and request the accounts be closed.
8. Consider a Credit Freeze
- You can place a credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent new creditors from accessing your credit file without your consent. Contact each of the three credit bureaus to do this.
9. Monitor Your Credit
- Keep an eye on your credit reports and accounts for any signs of further identity theft. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service.
10. Educate Yourself
- Understand how to protect yourself in the future. This includes being mindful of sharing personal information online and regularly checking your financial statements.
11. Follow Up
- The recovery process can be lengthy. Make sure to keep records of all communications and follow up until all issues are resolved.
12. Seek Professional Help
- If you feel overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a professional identity theft recovery service for assistance.
Important Contacts
- - Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1-877-438-4338 or identitytheft.gov
- - Credit Bureaus:
- - Equifax: 1-800-349-9960
- - Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- - TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
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