Identity Theft Review

http://www.secretservice.gov/press/Take_Charge.pdf

Identify theft is a “real problem” in today’s technology virtual business world we all function in daily. When your quality of life hinges on the trust you place on strangers, the consequences may slap you in the face. Do not let this happen to you.

How can criminals steal your identity?

Criminals will “dumpster dive” or rummage through your garbage, the trash of businesses, or public dumps for receipts with names and personal information that you should have shredded. They probably pretend to work for legal companies such as insurance agencies that want to sell life insurance or they represent debt relief agencies, or government agencies, and take advantage of that role to convince you to reveal personal information. Some thieves call on the phone and pretend to represent an institution you trust, or a charity and try to trick you into giving out your address, emails, or even your social security number, which is a big no, no. With your identity the thieves can do anything in your name, anything with your money reputation.

What does it mean to have your identity stolen?

Identity theft or misrepresentation happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. This is fraud and is criminal, like writing a big check of yours and signing your name just like you would.

What should you do if your identity has been stolen?

Be sure to keep all paperwork (documentation) concerning the next steps, it will be imperative that you are able to create a log of what happens in the next few months. Have a representative from your bank help you with setting the records straight with your bank accounts. Log all telephone calls, send letters by certified mail with a receipt, create a document filing system, and create a timeline for you to have deadlines for responses and corrected accounts.

1.  Place an Initial Fraud Alert: The pamphlet says to contact only one of the credit bureaus and they are supposed to contact the others, but, I would stay on top by checking all of them on a regular basis. This does not mean to nag them. Report it to the one agency and then watch the others.

2.  Order Your Credit Reports: Order your credit reports every few months if you are sure you have had your identity stolen. It is imperative that you work quickly and diligently to resolve this matter. Your reputation and money are at stake.

3.  Create an Identity Theft Report: Be sure to get copies of the documents the thief used to steal your identity. This will be help you prove your case against the criminal. Law enforcement officers can help you get all the documents you are entitled to proving your identity theft. Just for good measure you can get an extended fraud alert that will last for 7 years, and this is free.

How can you prove your identity has been stolen?

You have to create a diary of your bank accounts, and all personal information transactions to prove unusual activity. Contact the authorities and back up your claims with copies of the fraudulent activities. If you think someone has misused your personal or financial information, call 1 of the companies and ask them to put an initial fraud alert on your credit report. You must provide proof of your identity. The company you call must tell the other companies about your alert.

Pierson, J. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ftc.gov/idtheft. (2013). Taking charge. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Homeland Security website: www.secretservice.gov