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Step 1
When you find out that identity theft happened to you, place a fraud alert on your credit reports. In the United States, there are 3 major credit reporting agencies. All you need to do is place it with one of them. Because they will have to contact the two credit agencies and inform them about your situation. Make sure all three credit agencies has a fraud alert, you can contact them and verify.
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Step 2
When identity theft happens to you, carefully review your credit reports several times. You want to find all the fraudulent accounts opened under your name. Speak to the financial institutions about the fraudulent accounts and close them as soon as possible. Review all activity on your current accounts and make sure each transaction is made by you. Otherwise, have a word with your bank about the items that you never bought.
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Step 3
After identity theft happened to you, be sure to file a compliant with the federal trade’s commission. They have a hot line for reporting identity theft cases. It will also provide them with useful information about identity theft and they will use that information to help with their investigation. So other people will benefit from more identity theft protection.
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Step 4
Remember, identity theft can happen to everyone. The best thing to do is check your bank statements regularly and get credit reports yearly to find out if there is anything wrong with your accounts. You will resolve the problem better if you discover identity theft early.
