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- 1). Report confirmed identity theft to a law enforcement agency. This does not ensure that your case will be investigated in a timely fashion (or at all), but it does create an identity theft report on file that can get authorities working while you take further steps to investigate the theft.
- 2). Contact your bank immediately when you suspect identify theft. Most identity theft cases deal with illegal financial transactions on a credit card or a bank account. Freeze access to these accounts to prevent monetary losses. Document illegal transactions. This can help with further investigations into the perpetrators of identity theft, as well as strengthen your case that the you didn't initiate the transactions. This wll be important if you get into a dispute later.
- 3). Respond to debt collectors as quickly as possible in writing. If debt collectors come calling about new accounts opened or illegal charges made, respond quickly by writing a letter explaining why you do not owe the money. Include your identity theft report with the letter. Keep a copy of the letter so that later in the investigation you can prove you do not owe money to these creditors.
- 4). Dispute any and every charge made or account opened in your name. Keep records of all correspondence with credit bureaus. As the investigation into the crime continues by banks and law enforcement agencies, keeping a clear paper trail of disputes you believe to be the result of identity theft can help you restore your finances later.
- 5). Monitor the situation throughout the investigation by regularly requesting free credit reports from credit bureaus. This will allow you to keep on top of new illegal charges and to document them.
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