Reporting Identity Theft - What To Do If You Are A Victim
Is extremely distressing to discover that your personal details has been used for illegal purposes. As a result of having your identity stolen from you, you can become a target of litigation from parties ijured by the actions of the identity thief.

So what should you do if you ever become a target and how should you go about reporting identity theft? Read on to the steps to take if you discover your identity has been stolen.

Reporting Identity Theft - The Steps To Take

Here are the steps you should take if you discover your personal security has been compromised by an identity thief.

1. Report Doubtful Transactions
If you feel that any transaction related to your credit card or bank account, report it immediately. You can use fraud dispute forms available at the bank to state your claim but, if you want the bank to consider your request, you may need to prove that you have been a victim of identity theft. You can  submit proof that your signatures have been forged or submit a copy of the police report (see below).

2. Close Effected Accounts
If you find that new accounts have been opened in your name, or there has been unauthorized access to accounts you currently have, close them immdiately. Follow up any phone calls to  your bank or credit card companies with a letter so that you have a written record of your formally notifying them.

3. Report The Problem To The Police
Credit card companies and banks and will not always often close accounts wihtout a formal affidavit so you should report the identity fraud to the police as soon as possible. Get an affidavit from them to prove the crime has been reported and your accounts compromised.

4. Inform The Credit Rating Agencies
The credit rating agencies should be told about the theft as soon as possible. Creditors will need to contact you before they give loans to anyone approaching them for credit on your behalf. Try to get the fraud alert extended to seven years from the current 90 days. File all credit reports you receive, since it is crucial as evidence to show identity theft.

5. Monitor Your Credit Reports
Keep watching your credit reports for suspicious entries such as accounts you didn't personally open or credit companies you have had no dealings with.

6. Open New Accounts Securely
Use new personal identification numbers and passwords if you when you open new accounts. Ensure that the passwords are such that someone else cannot guess them.

The above steps will help you close fraudulent accounts and keep further fraud from being committed in your name. Reporting identity theft as soon as you discover it is essential. you should contact the proper authorities immediately.

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