Combating identity theft
Restore your identity after fraud
Once you realize that you are a fraud victim, start by contacting various government, banking and credit agencies to ensure they're aware of the crime and to put a stop to any ongoing theft.
To help you make the process easier, review the following tips and procedures to help you resolve any issues with your creditors, remove inaccurate information from your credit report and prevent any further fraud.
Report fraud to the authorities
Follow-up is key
Once you realize that you are a fraud victim, start by contacting various government, banking and credit agencies to ensure they're aware of the crime and to put a stop to any ongoing theft.
To help you make the process easier, review the following tips and procedures to help you resolve any issues with your creditors, remove inaccurate information from your credit report and prevent any further fraud.
Report fraud to the authorities
- Contact government agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to report the fraudulent activity. You should also contact your local law enforcement agency to file a report.
- Contact your credit grantors and financial institutions.
- Contact companies with whom you have financial relationships and inform them that your accounts may be compromised. Banks and card companies may issue new cards and PINs to protect your assets, and will work to identify and rectify any unauthorized charges.
- Notify your bank to stop checks. You can also report stolen checks.
- Contact any companies on your credit report that you do not recognize. Verify the information they have in their records for the reported item.
- Provide the creditor with a copy of your police report, notarized FTC Affidavit or other relevant documentation.
- Keep a log of all related phone conversations, including the names of people with whom you speak.
Follow-up is key
- Follow up with companies and agencies that you have contacted to ensure that their investigations resulted in your favor. TransUnion FVAD will help you to the fullest extent possible, but remember that as a victim, you have certain responsibilities. By working with credit grantors to identify all fraudulent accounts, you can greatly reduce this crime's effects on you.
- Periodically review your credit report. Check for any new fraudulent activity. Consider using features such as Credit Lock for ongoing protection.