Did you know that there’s a new victim of identity theft every two seconds? In other words, if your identity has been stolen, you’re not alone.
Staying safe and protected may seem impossible, and experiencing identity theft may seem like the end of the world, but it’s completely possible to recover from if you know what steps to follow.
If you or someone you know is looking for information on how to recover from identity theft, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to reestablish your identity and take back your life.
Report to the FTC
If you believe that your identity has been stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately. They’ll assess your particular situation and help you decide what steps you need to take next.
First, the FTC will have you fill out a formal complaint online. After doing so, you will receive an affidavit, which will be an important step of the process moving forward.
File a Police Report
Your next step will be to file a police report with your local law enforcement authorities. Don’t forget the affidavit that you secured from the FTC, as well as any other proof of the theft. You’ll need a photo ID and proof of address, too.
The police probably won’t be able to help you and your case any further, and that’s completely okay. The police report is what you’re really after here, which is why it’s important to go to the authorities early.
Contact the IRS
Much like you did with the FTC, you’ll need to file a formal complaint online with the IRS. Fill out and submit form 14039, along with proof ID, so that the IRS is aware of the theft.
Contact Your Bank
Inform any banking institutions that you use, as well as credit card providers, of the theft. Confirm that no new accounts under your name have been opened up and follow any procedures that are recommended to you by your bank.
For instance, they may ask you to replace every debit or credit card you own, as well as reset all of your pin numbers and passwords. It may seem like a hassle at first, but do it, as it’s better to be safe and ensure that your identity is secure moving forward.
Check Your Credit Report
After experiencing identity theft, check your credit report often to confirm that your identity is secured. Staying on the defensive is the best way to prevent any sort of issues from occurring again.
The earlier you catch any potential theft activity, the quicker you can reverse it, and the more damage you can prevent.
Going to court over identity theft isn’t the easiest task, but suing the credit bureau or the person who stole your identity in the first place is possible. If that’s the case, you will want to get a lawyer. The folks at Kohler & Hart can help out, so be sure to contact them today if you feel you need legal representation.
How to Recover from Identity Theft
Hopefully, now you have a better idea on how to recover from identity theft. If you follow these steps, and cover all your bases, your life will be back to normal in no time.
Be sure to check out our blog, where you’ll find more information on how you can stay protected.