subject: If Id Theft Protection fails [print this page] Id thieves are slick and are continually devising devious methods to steal your identity. Despite your best efforts at id theft protection, it may still be possible to fall victim to id thieves.
Your information can be stolen by insiders at corporate or government data repositories.
Recovering from identity theft can be an arduous process, that requires patience and persistence.
If you become a victim of identity theft,there are some things that you can do to assist in the restoration process
All interactions with institutions and agencies should be documented.
Keep copies of all records and follow up telephone calls with written correspondence.
* Report the theft to the institution as soon as possible.
* Report all unauthorised charges and request that all unauthorised accounts be closed.
* Contact the major credit bureaus and advise them of a fraud alert. The fraud alert prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
* File a report with local authorities. The financial institutions may require a police report before they proceed with remediation of id theft.
* You may also need to fill-out an affidavit from the FTC(Federal Trade Commission).
It may help you to identify and collect the required information that will be required by the organisations investigating the fraud.
* The crime should be reported to the FTC, where the database of id theft reports are maintained. By reporting the theft, the organisations and authorities learn more about identity theft and how it can be resolved and prevented.
File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov The IC3 is a joint venture between the FBI and the National White collar Crime Center. Your report will most likely be used for assistance in research into id theft protection methods.
Id theft continues to be the fastest growing crime as reported to the FTC. Consumers should remain vigilant and be protected at all times.
