If your client suspects they have been a victim of Identity Theft, you may want to share the following steps they can take:
Step 1: Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus.
Get a copy of your credit report, which is free to ID theft victims. Ask that your file be flagged with a "fraud alert tag" and
a "victim's statement." That will limit the thief's ability to open new credit accounts, because generally new creditors should
call you prior to granting credit. According to PrivacyRights.org, the fraud alert can remain in tact for 7 years.
Credit Bureaus:
Step 2: File a police report to dispute unauthorized charges. Also, you may want to fill out an online ID Theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-ID-THEFT.
Step 3: Close all compromised accounts.
This includes accounts with banks, credit card companies and other lenders, and phone companies, utilities, ISPs, and other
service providers. The FTC also offers a form affidavit which can be used for the sworn statement at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/affidavit.pdf
Other Resources:
