Avoid Identity Theft
Proving Yourself the Victim of Identity Theft
Steps to Take If You Suspect You Are The Victim of Identity Theft
Common Tactics Used by the Identity Thief
Identity Theft TrendsProving Yourself the Victim of Identity Theft
It may not seem fair, but many times the victims of identity theft find themselves in a battle to prove they are innocent. This involves convincing creditors that you are truly a victim of fraud and that you are not trying to get out of paying a legitimate debt.
The key to winning this battle of proving identity theft is documentation and getting that documentation to the right person. The most important piece of documentation you will need to prove someone has stolen your identity is the police report.
Filing a police report is one of the first things you should do if you've been hit by identity theft. Creditors who think you owe them money will want to see a copy of the police report before they consider letting you off the hook for fraudulent debt. Once you obtain a copy of the police report, you should send it to each of the three major credit bureaus. Usually, within a month, the credit bureaus will have taken action by removing the information you are disputing from your credit reports.
In addition to a police report, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). The FTC, along with many banks and creditors, developed the ID Theft Affidavit, which is a report you can fill out to help you close unauthorized accounts and debts wrongfully attached to your name by identity theft.
Most creditors are very familiar with identity theft and will also forms or paperwork you can fill out to close accounts in your name and report fraud. After submitting the required forms to each creditor, be sure to follow up with them and insist on receiving written confirmation that your account has been closed and that you have been relieved of the fraudulent debt.
Have patience and be persistent. Preventing identity theft is a trying experience that often leads victims to feel frustrated and even violated. You'll need your wits and a calm, steady persistence to follow up with the police, the credit bureaus, and the creditors to clear your name.