If you have been the victim of identity theft then you have to act quick disregarding the emotional toll that comes with being on the receiving end of this crime. The faster you act the more can be done to repair the damage inflicted on your reputation and credit rating.

Contact the necessary Credit Reporting Agencies

When you find out that your identity has been stolen contact the major credit reporting agencies. By calling you allow the agencies to quickly flag your account, leading to any businesses who wish to check your credit report to grant you credit

Work together with “your” creditors

If there are suspicious unauthorized charges on your statement or credit report then quickly get in touch with the creditor’s fraud department who you believe have been scammed using your name. In the USA you have 60 days from the date you normally get your bill to notify them about this. If you do not contact your creditors within this time period, your loss for unauthorized charges shall be limited to $50.

Analyze all your bank account activity

If identity thieves have gained access to your bank account get it closed immediately. Also when you close the account you should obtain from your bank its check verification service. This service will lead to retailers being notified that no checks are to be accepted from this account. This will prevent further damage.

Contact the Police

Obtain a report, a copy of the report or the number of the report. This report will help you in negotiations with creditors who have been scammed by identity thieves using your name. To obtain help regarding your “repairs” you could also contact the state attorney general that you fall under. Also give the police copies of all documents that give a backing to your claim of identity theft.

Keep records of everything done in relation to identity theft reporting and repair

As you work on the process of repairing the damage that has been done you might need to provide documents like the original police report, or reports from medical institutions as proof. Also make sure you keep records of the dates you contacted specific people involved in the impact or the rectification of your identity theft and its insurance, making you sure your data is organized enough that it allows quick reference when it is required.

Having your identity stolen can be very stressful and a great inconvenience but if you follow the advice above you will go along way to repairing the damage.