Reporting Identity Theft - Do It Effectively!Every year more than ten million people are becoming a victim of the crime of identity theft in America and there are million others suffering in different parts of the world. With the development of technology, identity thefts are finding out innovative ways to achieve their aim. Various personal information like your name, address, date of birth, credit card and other private identification numbers. These came be used variously to open credit card and bank accounts, redirect mail, establish cellular phone service, rent vehicles, equipment, or accommodation, and even secure employment. In most of the cases, the victim of identity theft is left with bills and debts that take years to be paid completely. Apart from this, there is also the emotional strain and stress and the damaged reputation to take care of. What to do in case of this fraud of id theft? This commonly asked question is practically responsible for making more and more people aware of this problem. The growing awareness has led a subsequent need of steps to take on identity theft. As the saying goes prevention is better than cure. The first point that you should remember is that to minimize the risk be alert and careful when sharing your personal information. If anybody ask you about such information then don't forget to ask why they are asking it, what and how they are going to utilize it, and of course how they intend to safeguard it. Even after you are sure give out the bare minimum. Pay special attention o your SIN since it is the key to most of your important personal information. These are probably few of the steps to take on identity theft, to ensure protection of personal security. Identity theft victims are usually perplexed with two basic questions - 1) How to report identity theft? 2) What to do in case of identity theft? The best answer to these questions would be to act according to the situation. The first step should be reporting identity theft to the concerned authorities as soon as possible. Reporting identity theft to a proper authorial body is important as you will require a proof of report in order to prove that you are victim. File a complaint with the police and contact the consumer cell of the credit card agencies about it. This report entitles you to certain legal rights when it is provided to the three major credit agencies or to companies where the thief distorted the information. An identity theft report has the power to permanently obstruct sham information that occurs from such theft from appearing in your credit report. You should get an identity theft report to prevent the identity thief opening a new account. These processes have helped immensely to the people being troubled by the big question of how to report identity theft. One fact that you should keep in mind is that you should document all the steps taken by you as well as all of the expenses that you are likely to incur in the process of reclaiming your identity. Cancel your credit cards as soon as you realize the theft. The following ways simple methods can ensure protection against identity theft. It is very important that people become fully aware of the ID theft problem and issues related to it. This awareness can go a long way to solve this problem. Even you can help in increasing this awareness by discussing these matters with your friends and family. FTC for this purpose has a collection of easy to use manual to enlighten everyone regarding this matter. The best thing to do is to get your credit report annotated which will reveal the identity theft and continue to check it out every three months. It is also advisable that you close all your existing bank accounts and open new ones. A final word - employ tips for prevention of identity theft before the situation strikes. In this case, prevention is certainly better than cure. |