Identity theft is no laughing matter. It can lead to serious consequences, such as financial strain and damage to credit scores. It can happen at any time, when a credit card or debit card is lost, tampering occurs with secure information, or thieves actually steal account information from under your nose.
In this time of modern technology, criminals are technologically savvy and becoming more creative in their methods. If you find yourself the victim of stolen identity, take the following tips to get your life back on track.
- Notify all pertinent parties
The moment you have confirmed that you are the victim of identity theft, you need to take action. You should notify your bank if a debit card is involved in order to cancel the card, stop any additional charges, and be compensated for your loss. If the theft involves a credit card, you need to contact the company in question. Your card will be cancelled, you should be reimbursed, and an investigation will begin to attempt to apprehend the culprit. Don’t forget to call the police. The fraud and theft department will work on your behalf as well to claim your identity back.
- Turn to non-profit organizations
There are numerous, non-profit organizations devoted to identify theft. You will have access to free advice about the proper steps for damage control. You will also be given direction to establish identity theft protection in order to avoid a future disaster.
- Hire an identity theft protection service
There are many companies that make it their business to help you to protect your identity. Even if identity theft has already occurred, they can assist you in navigating the complexities that come with a stolen identity and make sure protective measures are in place as you start with a clean slate. While hiring a service will involve an investment, you’ll be given the peace of mind of knowing the company will be responsible to make amends if you somehow slip through the cracks.
- Hire a lawyer
Bring out the big guns in the form of a lawyer. Visit the best lawyer for legal advice and to assist you in winning your battle against stolen identity. You want to take every possible measure to protect yourself, recoup your losses, and stop the criminals.
Stolen identity is a daunting challenge. However, with persistence and the know-how, you can climb out of the pit.