What To Do If You Become a Victim of Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a serious crime - punishable by a sentence of time in prison. For that reason, consumers who find themselves victims of these criminals need to take fast action to put a halt to the offender's activities - and help out in ensuring that they get caught.

If you or someone you know has just been affected by identity theft - be aware that you should have taken all of the steps included in this article. If you haven't - get on to it right away, because the longer you leave it - the less chance the law enforcement officials have of catching the person or organization responsible.

Step 1: Filing an Identity Theft Report

The first thing you should do following an identity theft incident is to contact your local identity theft office (usually combined with your local sheriff's office - and file a complete report.

This report will require that you reveal details such as:

• Your personal details which were stolen.
• How they were used against you.
• What adverse effects the identity theft has had on you.
• Any financial loss which has been incurred as a result of the identity theft.

You will also be required to sign an oath, and provide your own identification before the report is officially filed. Once this is done, and the sheriff's office (or the person put in charge of your case) begins to act on the file, you can then move on to step two.

Step 2: Notifying Credit Reporting Agencies

If you fail to tell the credit reporting agencies about your recent run in with an identity thief, it may impact your future financial standing. Remember - it is up to you - no one else - to ensure that you provide the credit reporting agencies with as much information as possible about the crime which has been committed.

If you are able to do this - the reporting agency will be able to follow its own processes to ensure that your reputation is not tarnished as a result of a criminal's actions.

In addition to these two steps, you can also file a complaint form with the FTC to inform them of what has happened. This can be done either on the FTC website, or by phoning them during normal business hours.