Identity theft involves someone stealing your financial and personal information in order to gain access to your money and credit as well as to commit financial fraud in your name. Identity theft is a growing and serious problem. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself in the event you ever need to report identity theft. If you or someone you know should ever become a victim of identity theft it is critical that you act quickly, so it is important that you know what to do ahead of time.
Be sure to review your credit card, bank and other financial statements on a regular basis and check for any mistakes or unauthorized transactions. Review your credit report frequently as well. If you suspect that your identity may have been stolen that first thing you should do is go to your local police station and file a police report. You will need a police report to get your accounts frozen.
You should also call your bank immediately so that they are alerted and have your credit and debit cards canceled. They can reissue you new ones at the time that you cancel your current ones. You also need to contact your credit card companies to have your accounts frozen and to have them issue you new credit cards.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission to fill out an ID Theft Complaint Form and to get advice on what you need to do in working with law enforcement and credit bureaus to reclaim your identity.
Contact the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Transunion and Equifax and request that they put a fraud alert on your account. This is to help prevent an identity thief from establishing accounts and using your credit through the use of your personal information.
Call the local Social Security office so that they can assign you a new social security card and number.
Identity thieves act quickly, so it is critical that you take action immediately if you suspect your identity has been stolen or there is any evidence that your accounts have been compromised. You should keep a list of organizations and phone numbers of everyone you will need to contact in cases where you suspect your identity has been stolen or when you have misplaced or lost any of your debit or credit cards or feel that any of your vital personal and financial information may have gotten into the wrong hands.