About the identity theft…

Note: This aidpage was started as a comment on "ID theft"

Wanda, first of all, I don’t think that you plea sounds selfish. We all have different personal problems and they are serious to us, regardless how they compare to others. In fact, the problem that you are having is quite serious and it is not an isolated case. Luckily for me, I never had such a problem and that is way I had no idea where to start for eventual solution of such a problem. I tried to make some research for you and I noticed that there are a lot of publications on “how to prevent”, but just a few “what to do if it happened”.

While hiring attorney is the first thing to come to my mind, it may prove rather expensive and lengthily procedure. I would start first with the credit agencies (all three of them at once). I would pull my credit reports and I would identify the fraudulent records and institutions where they were made e.g. banks, credit cards etc. I would check carefully the section with my addresses, phones and names. The thief most likely would change partially this information. Next, I would call each of the identified institutions and I would request detailed records of all transactions for the period in which I am suspecting fraudulent activities. Then I shall analyze these records and I shall identify every transaction that is not made with my authorization. I would create a separate record with these transactions including short notes per transaction where I have been at this particular time. I am sure, it will not be that difficult to spot discrepancies – one cannot be at two places at the same time. Once I am done with this work, I will be ready to talk to credit agencies and to the banks.

First, I would call all the credit agencies and notify them for the problem. I would try to straight the record with them and freeze it. I will definitely ask them to help me further. Next, I shall call of the banks and credit cards in concern and I shall request to see my signature per transaction. I shall inform them for the problem and I would submit the report I made about these transactions.

I can imagine, that the banks may not be too cooperative in this case, but keep in mind – they are insured and you are not suppose to recover funds fraudulently used by somebody else. After all, in this case you are the victim not the wrong doer. All those institutions to the great extend are guilty since they are also accountable for protecting your identity. Be patient and prepare yourself for long fight. Unfortunately, the way I gather, there is not quick solution for these cases.

Below I am including the links to the articles that I found on this subject. I hope it will help. I will keep an eye on this problem and if something else comes to my mind, I will post a message.

Note:
I started this page as a comment to Wanda, but I think the problem is concerning all of us. I encourage anybody that might have some ideas, suggestions, or past experience about this matter to post on this page. You never know when you may need such a resource…

-- May 22 2006
New ALERT for the veterans! Personal information on 26.5 million U.S. veterans was stolen...

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