A credit freeze can help protect your identity if criminals try to obtain credit in your name. Other warning signs include receiving debt collection notices and seeing accounts you don’t recognize on your credit reports.
An attorney can assist in filing a police report and notifying credit bureaus. Keep a log of all related documents and contacts.
Find a Lawyer
If you are struggling with the aftermath of identity theft, an attorney can help. A lawyer who specializes in this type of crime can offer legal assistance with everything from filing a police report to contacting creditors and credit bureaus to have fraudulent information removed from your reports.
In addition, an attorney can advise you about state and federal compensation programs available for victims of identity theft. These programs can reimburse victims for expenses such as lost wages, credit monitoring services, and other expenses associated with fixing the damage caused by the crime.
If you are dealing with identity theft, you can seek the assistance of an attorney like those at https://www.yourfaircreditlawyer.com/. They can help you by drafting letters or subpoenas to acquire copies of documents from creditors and other agencies. This can be beneficial in criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits seeking restitution for damages, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, and emotional distress. Before hiring an attorney for representation, it is crucial to understand precisely what they are willing to do to assist in your case.
File a Police Report
Having a police report is the best way to remove fraudulent information from your credit report, stop debt collectors from using the identity thief’s name, and get more information about any accounts opened in your name by the fraudster.
Contact your local police department’s non-emergency line and ask to speak with someone in charge of identity theft resolution. Provide the officer with all your documentation, including your affidavit and FTC Identity Theft Report.
Also, give the officer any other documents you have, such as a copy of your driver’s license, mortgage statement, utility bill, or IRS notice, and anything else that can help verify that you are the victim of identity theft.
Some thieves use identities at different locations and times, so a document that proves you live in the area can help pinpoint them. You can also file a police report with the state law enforcement agency where the identity thief committed the crime, which can help clear up criminal records if necessary.
Contact the Three Credit Bureaus
Don’t let identity theft take control of your life. Contact at least one of the three major credit bureaus if you suspect your identity has been stolen. Your quick response can prevent further damage and help you regain control of your financial future. Notify them of the theft and request a fraud alert be placed on your file. This alert will require businesses to verify any new accounts with you before issuing them.
Additionally, you can request a credit freeze, preventing companies from accessing your credit report without your permission. Taking these steps can help safeguard your identity and prevent further financial damage. Periodically check your credit reports for errors and signs of fraud, such as loan approval letters or debt collectors calling about unpaid bills. Periodically check your credit reports for errors and signs of fraud, such as loan approval letters or debt collectors calling about unpaid bills.
Once you’ve filed your police report, the officer may give you forms to request information on fraudulent account openings and applications from credit grantors, utility companies, and cell phone service providers. Send these to creditors, along with copies of your police report. You can also request a credit freeze, the most vital protection against fraudulent activity.
Contact Your Financial Institutions
The police officer who investigates your identity theft may give you forms to send to creditors that the thief might have used, such as credit card companies, utilities, and cell phone service providers. This is important because thieves may continue to use accounts and credit cards under your name.
Review your credit reports periodically to see if any new accounts have been opened. If you find fraudulent activity, you can contact the credit bureaus and request that they place a fraud alert in your file.
It’s also essential to monitor your mail, especially any credit card, bank, or investment statements that could be in your garbage or stolen from your mailbox. You can have your mail held or sign up for the free Informed Delivery service offered by the USPS to receive a daily email preview of what you should receive in your mailbox. Consider getting a lockable mailbox and shredding junk mail.
