How to Properly Report Identity Theft.

Help! Someone Has Stolen My Identity

Whatever you do, stay calm. If you panic you will be of little help to yourself. No one would think you should not be outraged and terrified. Keep your cool though; you don’t want to bite those who can assist you. Always be courteous and as professional as possible with the person on the other end of the phone. You have to prove who you are and enlist them as your ally, not create enemies. 

Get yourself organized. 

You will need all kinds of information to win your identity back. In this situation you need to fill the role of secretary. When you get a suspicious phone call take notes on incoming phone number, date and time, names and particulars about the conversation. Any correspondence you received or sent as well as statements, bills and etc. The more thorough and organized you are, the easier things will be. 

Don’t delay in reacting; speed is of the essence here. 

You good name may not be the only thing in jeopardy. The thief may not be after money. A stolen driver’s license or passport could be a signal of terrorist use. They may just need to qualify for a place to live, a better job or even to obtain a valid driver’s license. No matter what the reason, you are dealing with a desperate person. 

 Alert the credit bureaus right away. 

Only call one of them. The other two will be immediately informed automatically. You are entitled to a free copy of all of your credit reports when you suspect you are a victim of identity theft. Get them all and check everything in great detail. You need to know how you have been attacked. 

Call the police. 

No one will know a crime has occurred if you don’t call the law. You will need a copy of the police report when dealing with the agencies you need to contact in defense of your identity and credit.  

What forms of identity theft are there and who should you contact? 

Who you contact and what forms you need to submit depends on what type of victim you are. Here is the websites for all the different types of identity theft reporting agencies and forms: 

Social Security Administration Drivers License Number:Call your local Department of Motor Vehicles 

 Mail Theft or Fraud: ContactU.S. Postal Inspection Service

   Cell and landline phone Services: Federal Communications Commission 

   ATM Debit Card or Credit Card Numbers:Call your bank to freeze the card. Reset your pin number right away. 

 Banking Accounts: Contact Check Fraud Reporting to Telecheck 

Check Forgery Reporting to Telecheck 

 Certegy Payment Recovery Services  

(800) 437-5120   

  Investments Accounts:Report any suspicious account activity or compromise to your broker immediately. 

   Lost or stolen passports:Call the U. S. Department of State 

(202) 955-0430  

File this form by mail. 

Be prepared and stay alert. 

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the  USA.Safeguard your children’s identities too. There are an increasing number of teenagers discovering they have fraudulent debts in their name. No one knows who will be the next victim.