Are you a Victim of Identity theft?

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Even if you have been vigilant about protecting your important personal information, you can still become a victim of identity theft. All it takes is one purchase on an unsecured website, an improperly delivered piece of mail, or a stolen credit card for an identity thief to latch onto your identity and redesign it for his own use.

What do you do if you learn your are a victim of identity theft?

If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.







When you correct your credit report, use an Identity Theft Report with a cover letter explaining your request, to get the fastest and most complete results. 



Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.



For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use the sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to the company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for sending your payments.

If you want to file a dispute directly with the company, and do not want to file a report with the police, ask if the company accepts the FTC's ID Theft Affidavit . If it does not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms.

However, filing a report with the police and then providing the company with an Identity Theft Report will give you greater protection.  For example, if the company has already reported these unauthorized accounts or debts on your credit report, an Identity Theft Report will require them to stop reporting that fraudulent information. Use the cover letter to explain to the company the rights you have by using the Identity Theft Report.  More information about getting and using an Identity Theft Report can be found here.


3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.



Additionally, you can provide a printed copy of your online Complaint form to the police to incorporate into their police report.  The printed FTC ID Theft Complaint, in conjunction with the police report, can constitute an Identity Theft Report and entitle you to certain protections.  This Identity Theft Report can be used to (1) permanently block fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report; (2) ensure that debts do not reappear on your credit report; (3) prevent a company from continuing to collect debts that result from identity theft; and (4) place an extended fraud alert on your credit report.



When you go to your local police department to file your report, bring a printed copy of your FTC ID Theft Complaint form, your cover letter, and your supporting documentation. The cover letter explains why a police report and an ID Theft Complaint are so important to victims.

Ask the officer to attach or incorporate the ID Theft Complaint into their police report. Tell them that you need a copy of the Identity Theft Report (the police report with your ID Theft Complaint attached or incorporated)to dispute the fraudulent accounts and debts created by the identity thief. (In some jurisdictions the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign your Complaint and write the police report number in the "Law Enforcement Report" section.)

The Federal Trade Commission is the federal clearinghouse for identity theft complaints. The complaints they receive from victims are available to other federal, state and local law enforcement officials nationwide.

While dealing with problems resulting from identity theft can be time-consuming and frustrating, most victims can resolve their cases by being assertive, organized, and knowledgeable about their legal rights.  

The FTC has provided helpful sample letters and tools designed to assist you in resolving disputes related to identity theft and in asserting your legal rights. 

Remember, the best defense is always a great offense! 



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1 Comment

Aug.23, 2010
To: Denise Richardson

My name is Candace. I was first a survivor of child abuse; as soon as credit was available to me my father (the thief and rapist) used my I.D. to make sure no more credit would be issued to me (and possibly used against him). My mother knew he was supporting other women with our college money; proof, while he raped me in my bed one more time just before he left (ran); he would get away with everything. SHE FILED FOR DIVORCE and went after him for the rape(s); THE LATER HE ALWAYS THOUGHT WAS ME.

Since no one believed me and so far I had wound up with my teeth wired together and my face in a splint, stumped for an answer if asked even what's my name; I adapted by selective memory with a mind like a steel trap (I had been a varsity letter athlete and honor student)- until I let myself remember which was about a year after he died in 2004.

There were always all these circumstance and realities totally beyond my control I could either fight and try to figure them out or live- I never could do both. My injuries are extensive they are inflicted through out my life- I was never allowed to go off to camp much less school and was at home and even called the police but this
country and it's laws did nothing for me. I was hit in the head with a rock that the doctor was told weighed 15 pounds, I have had 5 knee surgeries- 3 acl graft and reconstruction 1 replacement and that is just my left leg. Not only my father now after his death from the grave someone he met in prison I presume walked into MY bank in 2007 (maybe '08) with all my I.D. where; however, the only knew me at the Fort Worth branch in Carrolton they were opening an account for this new person- All ME. No I am not scizoid, JUST post traumatic stress to the max.
There is more. My Question is is this enough?


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