We’re all wondering when it’s going to happen to us. Are we taking the right precautions? Is it really safe?
Like everything there is some inherit risk; but also like everything there are ways to handle the situation with things turn bad. Bad like someone has your credit card details and is buying Christmas presents on eBay.
While the news can be overwhelming at first, and you most likely want to figure out how this even happened to you, there are a few steps you should immediately take to preserve your credit and your hard-earned money.
There are 8 steps to calmly settle the situation:
- 1) Call one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)* to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- 2) If the perpetrators were able to open new accounts, contact each creditor and notify them of the fraudulent activity.
- 3) For those accounts that you opened and are now compromised, contact the creditor and inform them that your identity has been stolen.
- 4) Contact your local police and alert them to the fraud under your name.
- 5) File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.
- 6) Change all of the passwords that you use online.
- 7) If you lost your entire wallet or you believe that someone is using your driver’s license, visit the DMV, Secretary of State, etc. as soon as possible to get a new driver’s license number and card.
- 8) KEEP RECORDS!! Throughout your dealings with creditors, companies, and detectives, always write down the name of the individual you spoke with, their employer, the date and time, and a short summary of your discussion.
For the detailed list visit CreditPro. Stay calm and take matters into your hands. It’s not the end of the world.
8 Things You Must Do If Your Identity Is Stolen – [CreditPro]
