Identity Theft Guide For Victims

If you are a victim of identity theft, follow these tips as a first step in taking action to protect yourself from the results of identity theft.

1. Contact your creditors and lending institutions

As soon as you discover the fraud, notify all your creditors to alert them that an account has been fraudulently opened in your name.

2. Contact the credit bureaus

Get copies of your credit report from the credit bureaus to verify that no other accounts or credit lines have been opened fraudulently in your name. You may also place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. This alerts creditors and banks that your information was stolen and instructs them to contact you by phone to authorize any new credit.

3. File a police report

File a report with your local police or with the police department in the community where the fraud took place. Get a copy of the report for your records and in case your banks, creditors, or others request proof of the crime.

4. Keep a record of events

Maintain a written record of what happened, what was lost, and the steps you took to report the incidents. Be sure to include dates, telephone numbers, people you talked to, and any other relevant instructions.

Our Identity Fraud Action Tracking Sheet can help you keep track of who you have contacted as you proceed through the resolution of your situation.