Reclaiming your identity can be a tedious and frustrating process. Your first emotional reactions may be: shock, panic, anger, frustration, helplessness and a sense of violation. These are normal reactions. However, do not let these emotions impede your ability to communicate quickly, politely, and effectively with the numerous agencies, banks, and businesses you must now contact. If you find a person is totally uncooperative, ask to speak to the supervisor. At this point, the burden is upon you to prove that you are a victim of identity theft. Remember you may have to deal with others who do not understand identity theft and how it impacts your life.

It is wise to restore your credit to the state it was prior to the theft of your identity. The Victim Worksheets are general guidelines designed to assist you through that process. All worksheets contain specific instructions as well as an area for recording when you complete each step in the process as well as the outcome.

Print and complete the worksheets in the order they are given below. Each identity theft incident is different. Therefore, not all of the worksheets will pertain to your situation. Keep the completed worksheets in a notebook or folder. Store your file in a safe place. Once the issues surrounding your case are resolved, do not discard the file. You may need it in coming months or years should problems resurface.

Worksheets:

Organize Information
Contact a Credit Bureau
File a Complaint with a Law Enforcement Agency
File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
Protect Your Current Accounts
Review Your Credit Bureau Reports
Credit Bureau Reports: Disputing Fraudulent Charges on an Existing Account
Credit Bureau Reports: Disputing New Accounts Opened in Your Name
Credit Bureau Reports: Correcting Personal Information
Credit Bureau Reports: Removing Unauthorized Credit Inquiries
Opt-Out: Protect Your Privacy

The Victim Worksheets below are designed to assist you in resolving specific problems associated with the theft of your identity.

Identity Theft Involving Misuse of Social Security Number
Identity Theft Involving the Mail
Identity Theft Involving Misuse of Driver's License Number
Identity Theft Involving a Checking Account
Identity Theft Involving an ATM or Debit Card
Identity Theft Involving a Lost or Stolen Passport
Identity Theft Involving Telephone or Cell Phone Services
Identity Theft Involving an Investment Account

Other Resources for Victims of Identity Theft:

What is Identity Theft?
How Are Identities Stolen?
A List of Links to Identity Theft Resources

 

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