Identity Recovery 101
Basic Steps To Identity Recovery
While there are many ways that identity theft can be prevented, there are times when even the best efforts fail and it is then that identity recovery becomes critical. Fortunately, the process of recovering your identity doesn't have to be a nightmare. There are some basic steps you can take that will help you restore your damaged credit. These tips can help you get back on track...
The Identity Theft Affidavit
The identity theft affidavit is a form that is provided by the Federal Trade Commission and it is an integral part of your identity recover process. The purpose of this form is to help you organize all of the information that you need in order for your creditors and banks to help you deal with the theft of your identity. This first step will allow you to better navigate the other steps that are necessary to restore your credit.
Contact Your Creditors
Once you have you affidavit in hand, the next step to reclaiming your lost identity is to contact your creditors. This includes any financial institutions that you have done business with (and those on your credit report that you've never had dealings with).
The sooner contact is made with these companies the better off you will be. Once your creditors are aware of your problem they can begin the process of closing and/or limiting access to your accounts.
Update The Credit Bureaus
Aside from contacting your creditors you should also get in touch with the 3 major credit reporting bureaus. This will allow you to attach fraud alerts to your name. This will cause creditors to take extra security measures with your account if new lines of credit are opened in your name. This can insure that your credit will not be further exploited by those who stole it.
Make A Report
Last, but definitely not least, is to file a police report. This action will provide a record of your identity theft. Not to mention that it too can also be an excellent resource for helping you discover other identity theft remedies that you may not be aware of.
While identity recovery can be time intensive and stressful, it is important to remember that the situation is temporary and there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel.