{"id":1082,"date":"2019-03-03T13:10:47","date_gmt":"2019-03-03T21:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterdefend.com\/?p=1082"},"modified":"2019-03-05T08:52:09","modified_gmt":"2019-03-05T16:52:09","slug":"10-steps-to-take-if-you-suspect-youre-a-victim-of-identity-theft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterdefend.com\/10-steps-to-take-if-you-suspect-youre-a-victim-of-identity-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Steps to Take if You Suspect You’re a Victim of Identity Theft"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all know that sinking feeling that comes with an email warning that someone has attempted to access one of your accounts. It\u2019s even more daunting when your bank calls to confirm there\u2019s been unauthorized activity on your card. Now imagine that anxiety magnified when you become a victim of identity theft. <\/span><\/p>\n

Based on a study conducted in late 2017, one in every fifteen people will have their identity stolen at some point in their lives. Usually, identity fraud is for the purpose of monetary gain, with identity thieves making use of a person’s identity to achieve their financial goal. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, we have good news. Even though identity thieves will stop at nothing to get a hold of your personal information, such as your driver’s license or Social Security numbers, or your banking or credit card information, you <\/span>can<\/span><\/i> take action to prevent identity theft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep reading to discover the 10 steps you should take if you think your identity has been stolen.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Isolate the Problem<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first thing you need to do is accurately identify the source of the problem and work from there. If you already suspect identity thieves have targeted you and your personal information, then it usually isn\u2019t hard to pinpoint where exactly the breach has come from. <\/span><\/p>\n

In doing this, you will be able to easily either confirm or deny your suspicion and take the appropriate steps forward. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Thoroughly Inspect Your Finances<\/span><\/h3>\n

Generally speaking, most identity theft leads back to money. After concluding that you have, in fact, become an identity theft victim, you\u2019ll need to meticulously inspect your own money.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obtain and review your credit card and bank statements for any activity that wasn\u2019t authorized by you. This will enable you to either isolate the incident or identify it as something that has been happening since a specific date. Don\u2019t overlook accounts that may not have been in use for a while but still have available funds. <\/span><\/p>\n

If a problem is detected, contact the bank or other financial institution immediately and have the accounts frozen until further action can be taken. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Request Credit Your Reports<\/span><\/h3>\n

Checking reports from all three of the credit bureaus is a most if your identity has been compromised. You should check for any new accounts that you don\u2019t remember opening, any transactions that you don\u2019t remember making, or any other activity that looks fraudulent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion will all send you a free copy of your credit report upon request, which makes this step a cost-free way to securing your credit and getting back to normal after your identity has been stolen.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Report the Issue<\/span><\/h3>\n

In order to fully recover after identity theft, you must report the incident to the federal government\u2019s fraud department. You should <\/span>contact the FTC<\/span><\/a> and ask for the ID theft department, so you can begin the necessary paperwork. <\/span><\/p>\n

The FTC will also be on alert for any similar cases that may lead to catching the culprit behind the theft in your case. In addition to this, they will also provide you with valuable advice on expectations and the best way to move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Contact the Police<\/span><\/h3>\n

If money was involved or official government documents were stolen (driver’s license, Social Security or credit card, for example), you will also need to make a report with your local police department.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fill out an identity theft affidavit and include the following information:<\/span><\/p>\n