Recovering From Identity Theft - 3 Ways to Get Your Identity Back After It's Been Stolen

If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, regardless of what tipped you off, report, document in detailed files and make changes. You may be spending months or years getting back your identity and your good credit. Be proactive. Do not allow yourself to be defeated. You have worked hard to attain your assets. Go to bat for them.

Report

1. To police in the jurisdiction where the theft occurred

2. To all creditors and businesses with whom you do business

3. To the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)on the online form

4. To all three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion and file fraud alerts

5. To your bank and change all account numbers and debit cards

6. To the Social Security Administration even if your card was not stolen

7. To the U.S. State Department or consulate if your passport has been stolen

Document

1. Conversations you have with collection agencies with whom you have spoken

2. The FTC Identity Theft Report you have filed

3. Regular credit reports from alerts you have placed on them

4. Police reports if you can actually get them

5. All your bills for the last six months

6. Every conversation and report and contact you have made about the theft

7. All promises you have received in writing from any agency involved-"get it in writing"

Change

1. Bank accounts and credit cards and debit cards and account numbers

2. All you passwords and make each one different

3. Your security information from mother's maiden name to something hard to steal

4. Your Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)

5. Use of your personal information by opting out with each business with whom you deal

6. How your mail is delivered by investing in a vandal proof steel locking mailbox

7. Research online for a locking mailbox that is ¼ in thick steel and has a lock only you can open.

Sadly, you must accept that you will have to monitor your personal and business affairs very closely for the rest of your life. Once a thief has been able to profit from stealing your identity, he will seek more information about you. He may even sell your information to another criminal. Even when you notify everyone you can about the theft, an identity thief can open new accounts, rent a home or purchase a vehicle using your identity.

So, if you see charges you didn't authorize, your credit card is denied, your bank statements are incorrect or your bills cease to arrive as usual, Report, Document and Change as is stated above.

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Credit Card Security: What to Do If Yours Is Stolen

We all use credit cards, and many of us use them daily. We use them at local businesses, online and over the phone. With credit cards being used in so many different places, thieves have many opportunities to steal information. One of the biggest fears of credit card users is that their accounts will be compromised.

In the event that your card is stolen, it is important to know exactly what to do to prevent significant financial loss. There are several things you can do both before your information becomes compromised, as well as after the fact.

Here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Notify your credit card company:

Before the theft happens, be sure you have the phone number of your credit company and your account number in an easy-to-find place. Call them immediately upon learning that your information has been stolen, so that they can deactivate your card and prevent future purchases by the thief.

Often credit card companies will not hold you liable for fraudulent charges made on your card. By notifying them quickly, you not only are able to stop future purchases, but your credit company can document the date from which you are not liable for purchases made on your card.

Be sure to write down the names of each person you talk to when you call the company, and document the date and time that you called. It is also useful to have a short, written summary of your phone conversations with each person. This information may be crucial in the event you need to prove that you took immediate action, and that you were instructed by official representatives from your credit card company.

2. Call the credit-reporting agencies:

Alert these companies of the theft so that they can put a fraud-alert on your account. Do this as soon as you become aware that your account has been compromised. This prevents the thieves from opening any new accounts in your name. Here is the contact information for two of the major national credit-reporting agencies.

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 ( www.transunion.com ) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 ( www.equifax.com )

3. Document your credit status:

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus every year. Take advantage of this if your credit card information falls into the wrong hands. If your credit card information is stolen, it is important to get documented proof of your current credit standing before any fraudulent activity is reported.

Keep in mind that even if you have already obtained a free copy this year, you may be able to get another one if there is a fraud alert on your account.

4. Call your local police

Let them know of the theft and file a police report.

5. Consider filing an identity-theft report:

This report is generally in two parts. You will probably complete part at your local police station and part at a consumer reporting agency.

Hopefully, your credit card information will never be compromised. But if you should become the victim of fraud, these tips will help you take control of the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Learn The Cold Hard Facts Of Identity Theft Before It's Too Late   How Can an Identity Thief Obtain and Use Your Personal Digital Profile?   Your Personal Finances Are at Risk: Prevent Identity Theft   Stop Fraud in Five Easy Steps: The Ultimate Identity Theft Protection Guide