Steps to Take After Identity Theft
- Place a fraud alert with all the major credit report companies. An initial fraud alert is valid for 90 days, so you need to renew it as soon as it expires.
- Order credit reports.
- Create an Identity Theft Report: a. Write out all the details using the FTC report guidelines and print a copy of the report. This is called an Identity Theft Affidavit. b. File a police report and use your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit. Make sure you get a copy of the police report and the report number.
- Place extended fraud alerts: Request from the credit bureau to place fraud alerts in writing and attach each request to your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit.
- Place a credit freeze: Contact the State Attorney General’s Office in your state and ask if there is a fee to put a freeze on your credit. You need to make this request in writing. Remember to ask for how long that freeze can last.
*Keep detailed records of everything and put everything in writing. Don’t forget to keep copies and a detailed calendar of all the above actions.*
