How to Prove Identity Theft
Call the company where the fraud occurred., File a fraud alert with a credit reporting agency., File a complaint with the FTC., File a police report.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Call the company where the fraud occurred.
If someone stole your personal information and used it purchase something, contact the company where the fraud occurred and/or the bank or credit card company to which the charge was made.
Ask to speak to someone in the fraud department and describe what happened.
They representative should able to assist you in freezing or closing your account, changing your login information, passwords, and PIN numbers., There are three nationwide credit reporting agencies:
Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
Contact one and ask how to file a fraud alert.
Filing an alert makes it more difficult for the identity thief to open new accounts using your identity.
Once file an alert with one of the three reporting agencies, that agency is required to notify the other two.
You can reach the agencies at the following:
Equifax: 1-888-766-0008, or http://www.equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance/ TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, or http://www.transunion.com/fraud Experian: 1-888-397-3742, or https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html, The Federal Trade Commission accepts complaints online or by phone.
Once you file a complaint, you will receive an Identity Theft Affidavit.
You will need the affidavit to file a police report.
The affidavit is the most widely-accepted way for victims to dispute fraud, though some creditors might ask you to complete a separate affidavit specific to their business.File an FTC complaint by calling 1-877-438-4338, or visiting https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1 To update your affidavit with new information by calling the same number., Some creditors may require that you file a police report.You can still file a report even when you do not know who the perpetrator is.Got to the local police department and ask for assistance in filing a police report regarding identity theft.
Be sure to bring the following documents with you:
The Identity Theft Affidavit you filed with the FTC; Government-issued photographic ID (such as a state ID card or driver's license); Proof of your home address (like a utility bill or rent agreement); Proof of the theft (bills from creditors or notices from the IRS); and A copy of the FTC's "Memo to Law Enforcement," available at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0088-ftc-memo-law-enforcement.pdf. -
Step 2: File a fraud alert with a credit reporting agency.
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Step 3: File a complaint with the FTC.
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Step 4: File a police report.
Detailed Guide
If someone stole your personal information and used it purchase something, contact the company where the fraud occurred and/or the bank or credit card company to which the charge was made.
Ask to speak to someone in the fraud department and describe what happened.
They representative should able to assist you in freezing or closing your account, changing your login information, passwords, and PIN numbers., There are three nationwide credit reporting agencies:
Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
Contact one and ask how to file a fraud alert.
Filing an alert makes it more difficult for the identity thief to open new accounts using your identity.
Once file an alert with one of the three reporting agencies, that agency is required to notify the other two.
You can reach the agencies at the following:
Equifax: 1-888-766-0008, or http://www.equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance/ TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, or http://www.transunion.com/fraud Experian: 1-888-397-3742, or https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html, The Federal Trade Commission accepts complaints online or by phone.
Once you file a complaint, you will receive an Identity Theft Affidavit.
You will need the affidavit to file a police report.
The affidavit is the most widely-accepted way for victims to dispute fraud, though some creditors might ask you to complete a separate affidavit specific to their business.File an FTC complaint by calling 1-877-438-4338, or visiting https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1 To update your affidavit with new information by calling the same number., Some creditors may require that you file a police report.You can still file a report even when you do not know who the perpetrator is.Got to the local police department and ask for assistance in filing a police report regarding identity theft.
Be sure to bring the following documents with you:
The Identity Theft Affidavit you filed with the FTC; Government-issued photographic ID (such as a state ID card or driver's license); Proof of your home address (like a utility bill or rent agreement); Proof of the theft (bills from creditors or notices from the IRS); and A copy of the FTC's "Memo to Law Enforcement," available at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0088-ftc-memo-law-enforcement.pdf.
About the Author
Donna Jordan
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow practical skills tutorials.
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