You’ve heard about the vicious crime that is identity theft. And, you’ve wondered if it’ll ever happen to you.
Then suddenly, your bank balance is disappearing faster than you’ve been spending it. You’ve also got a mortgage and a new car, and you can’t even fathom how you’ve got all of these. You credit card has also been billed for merchandise you didn’t purchase.
You start to wonder…..
Yes, if you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned incidents, you’ve probably fallen victim to an identity theft attack.
The million-dollar question though is ‘What can I do to get back my identity?’
Well, as you read the next few paragraphs, you’ll discover how to take care of the problem.
First off, this is what the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) advises you do, once you’ve found out you’re a victim of identity theft:
* Get in touch with the fraud department of all 3 major credit bureaus. Request a ‘fraud alert’ to be issued - this’ll make it much harder for identity thieves to suck your funds dry. Next, ask for several copies of your credit report and go through them carefully, especially when you come to the section that lists ‘Inquiries.’ If you notice anything listed under this section, it usually means someone’s been inquiring about opening a line of credit or a new account, using *your* personal information.
Request the credit bureau to delete these details from your report and make sure to check back again, to see if it’s been wiped out.
* As an identity theft victim, it’s important that you immediately file in a report with a law enforcement agency in your locality. Although the officials at your local police department aren’t likely to apprehend the thieves, possessing a police report on file is invaluable, especially when you’re trying to get your identity back and clear your name with the creditors. A police report establishes that an identity theft attack has actually been committed, and can be faxed to the creditors when they demand proof of the crime.
* Ring up your creditors and let them know you were the victim of an identity theft attack. Your first priority should be the accounts used by the thieves. According to the law, you’re supposed to solve discrepancies in credit in writing, so make sure you carry this out. Thereafter, talk with each bureau’s fraud department. Finally, open new accounts, along with new PIN numbers and passwords.
Beginning in 2002, the FTC has taken steps to publish identity theft affidavits and checklists. You can access all of this for FREE by downloading them from http://www.consumer.gov.idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT. The charts that are provided, are especially useful.
In closing….criminals accused of identity theft generally receive light sentences - a year or two at the most. In fact, it’s been estimated that only 9% of identity theft incidents that arrive at the court, end in felony conviction. This means that the majority of id theft criminals get away scot free, which in turn translates to even more identity theft attacks.
The best way you can avoid falling victim to this notorious crime, is, of course, to educate yourself on the dangers of identity theft and then implement strategies to protect yourself from it. However, in case you find yourself having to experience the awful impact of an identity theft attack, follow the steps outlined in this article, and you should be able to get back your identity!
Author and internet entrepreneur Bernard Pragides offers expert advice and tips regarding identity theft. Learn more about identity theft and fraud by visiting his blog at http://www.identity4life-blog.com and his website http://www.IdentityProtek.com for more helpful information.
Tags: identity fraud, identity theft, identity theft protection, internet scams, lifelock, lifelock code
