Credit Identity Theft

Are you a victim of credit identity theft?  Maybe you discovered on your credit report that there are credit cards or loans that you did not open.  Did a credit card came in the mail that you did not apply for?  Or maybe you are getting phone calls from debt collectors in regards to accounts you did not open.  Possibly an imposter has gained your identity and is using your good credit score to buy things. This is a quick guide on how to regain your good financial status.

First, you want to call the police to report this crime.  By contacting the police, the credit bureaus must stop the reporting of incorrect information identified by the victim.  Law enforcement agencies can then obtain documents without a subpoena from the businesses where fraudulent accounts were opened.

Call the fraud department at all 3 credit reporting companies.  You can place a 7 year fraud alert on your name when you talk to them. You will then receive a free credit report from each agency.  Go over these with a fine tooth comb.   You will need to put in writing the fraudulent information you found on your report and send it to each credit reporting agency.

You will need to call the businesses where the identity thief opened accounts. Also send the businesses the information in writing.  The business will most likely ask you to complete fraud affidavits.  When the fraudulent account has been cleared ask for a letter stating that the account was closed and the debts were cleared from your credit record.

If a current account has been abused call the company who has the account and ask for a new card and a new account number.  Add a secure password to be able to access this account from now on.

If debt collectors call you in regards to the fraudulent accounts get the collectors business name, address and phone number.  Tell them you are a victim of credit identity theft.  Also put in writing to the debt collectors your situation.  Ask them to put in writing that your account was cleared and you do not owe the money.

Being a victim of credit identity theft is a growing crime.  Clearing your name can be a long process.  Make your accounts as secure as possible. Shred paperwork before putting it in the trash or to be recycled.