Friday, January 12, 2007

What to Do If Someone Steals Your Identity

If you are a victim of identity theft, you will definitely need legal advice. Everyday millions of people are affected by identity theft–from credit cards to social security numbers–which is precisely why identity theft legal advice is in higher demand than ever.

The first step to take if you are an identity theft victim is to file a report with the police. Once you have filed a report, immediately call and notify your bank, notify and close credit card accounts and other related sources that the thief would be able to access.

Next, you will need to file a report with the appropriate government authorities and identity theft experts, including reporting lost Social Security Number to the Social Security Administration office. You will also need to contact the three major credit unions--TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian--to report theft, and request a freeze on your account, rather than a fraud alert.

The best identity theft legal advice to follow these steps have been taken is to continue battling charges added to your credit reports. Keep updated copies of the reports and save all documentation that you receive that you do not feel belong to you. You will also need to contact creditors regarding any suspicious bills sent to your address and dispute the charges, alerting them that you are an identity theft victim. There may come a time you will need the assistance of an attorney, but for the most part, you should prepare to fight ongoing without a break.

Unfortunately, identity theft is one of the leading crimes in America and around the world today. When you become a victim of identity theft, legal advice is ongoing, since in most instances, the problems continue and the perpetrator is rarely caught. If you do not seek the proper identity theft legal advice, you may end up with piles of bills and no real means of proving you didn’t spend themoney yourself.