What Should You Do if You Suspect You Are the Victim of Identity Theft?
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to regain control of your account, change your password and set up two-factor authentication. Request a new social security number – If your social security number has been compromised and you can prove that someone is using it, you may be eligible to receive a new one. You will need to file an Application for a Social Security Card form with the Social Security Administration. Keep track of your progress – It’s important to keep detailed records of all your conversations, correspondence and transactions related to the identity theft. This includes logging details of your credit reports, keeping copies of letters and emails, and recording the names and phone numbers of people you speak to. These can assist you in proving the validity of your claims. File a police report – A police report is an essential document in the process of recovering from identity theft, as it corroborates that a crime took place and can help defend your rights in court. You’ll need to provide copies of this report to the businesses and agencies where the identity theft occurred, as well as the credit bureaus. Review your credit report regularly – To ensure that your identity remains safe in the future, you must continue monitoring your credit report. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every 12 months. Order copies of your report from AnnualCreditReport.com or visit the bureaus’ websites. If you see suspicious activity on your credit report, ask that a fraud alert be placed on your file. Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad In conclusion, identity theft is a widespread and growing problem. Fraudsters can steal your personal information to open new credit cards, take control of your accounts, and use your health insurance to get medical procedures in your name, resulting in financial loss and damaged credit. You can take steps to mitigate the damage done by identity theft, such as freezing your credit, filing a report with the FTC, and notifying your account issuers. Be vigilant in watching for signs of identity theft and in protecting your personal information.
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