deFraud

Untangling the mess that identity theft leaves behind always presents a daunting challenge. Despite the difficulties, with some diligent effort and time, most victims are able to get back on their feet. On the other hand, recovery from a life marred by identity theft could be impossible without first taking the proper steps. One might compare the situation to discovering a car problem while driving. Whether the vehicle issue is as simple as a flat tire or as serious as a loud engine noise, the most important action a driver can take is simply to pull over and prevent further damage. From the side of the road, the situation can be evaluated and a plan for repair can be safely established.

Like taking care of a vehicle, identity theft recovery is a journey that needs to be properly handled from the beginning. We have previously covered the step of placing fraud alerts on your credit accounts. Another essential first step is notifying the appropriate authorities. Contacting the FTC about the incident and filing a police report are top priorities. Together, a copy of your FTC complaint and a police report can constitute an officially recognized “Identity Theft Report”. The benefits from taking the step of creating an Identity Theft Report are multi-fold. First of all, there will be a record that you are claiming any debts incurred are a result from the fraudulent actions. This entitles you to helpful protections made available in the event a consumer is victimized. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, you will be protected from debt collectors. Without an Identity Theft Report, aggressive debt collectors may continue to pursue debts that are a result of identity theft. Fraudulent balances and debts can be eliminated from you report, and a long-term (7 years) fraud alert can be applied to your credit report for your continued safety.

What protections are a victim entitled to if he or she doesn’t report promptly to the FTC and the police? Unfortunately, the already suffering party may not be entitled to any protections. Silence may be regarded as an admission that the debts are valid and belong to the victim. If a person waits too long to file these reports, their credibility may be compromised in the eyes of the law. Swift action is essential.

Some victims have related difficulties in getting the needed paperwork from the local police. To assist the police in understanding the importance of creating a valid “Identity Theft Report”, the FTC has made an excellent resource available. This resource, the FTC cover letter, explains the essential role of local law enforcement and exactly what is necessary from their department.

The following is an action plan based on the directions detailed above.

1. Contact the FTC via their online complaint form ( https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ ) or by telephone at their Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338).
2. Print a copy of your online complaint form and the FTC cover letter. The cover letter can be found at this link: FTC Cover Letter
3. Contact your local police and, if allowed, request a police report in person at their local office. Bring your documentation and ask the police to use the FTC complaint in conjunction with their report. Make sure you receive a personal copy of the finalized police and FTC documentation. These constitute your completed “Identity Theft Report”.

Certainly, identity theft can be a scary topic and a challenging issue. However, digging out from the crime’s difficulties is not impossible. Following the steps in the above action plan as soon as possible will assist in alleviating future complications.