Taking Charge When Identity Fraud Happens To You

Identity fraud is when someone else takes your personal information and uses it to his own advantage without permission. There are several ways to provide yourself with identity theft prevention. Here are the top tips we recommend:

Make sure you check your credit account for any unusual activity such as unexplained withdrawals or payments and purchases you didn’t make.

If something unusual is found, immediately place an initial fraud alert. Inform your credit card companies of the situation. You may need to provide additional verification of your identity. This way, it prevents anyone from making any credit issues without your express permission.

If the identity thief persists in using your personal information to obtain credit, you also have the right to “freeze” your account. Make sure to ask whether there might be a fee for doing this. After you have done this, the credit reporting company will tell you how to get a copy of your credit report, which you may need later on.

If you are aware which businesses have been tampered with, contact and inform those companies of your situation.

File a report at your local police station. Provide them with as much information as you can and what steps you have already taken. Make sure to take a copy of the police report with you as this may come in handy when you want to create an extended fraud alert.

Last of all, do not give in. Never pay any bills or cover any checks that were a result of fraud and most important of all is to get an identity theft protection that helps you with restoration. You can learn more about this by visiting IDSmarter solutions right away.