Where to Get Help with Identity Theft

The FTC Website

Go online and educate yourself about all the different ways thieves have stolen identities, are currently stealing identities, and learn how to protect yourself. While there are a number of websites out there which offer this type of information to consumers and businesses alike, the best one is probably the Federal Trade Commission's website, as you will know it is advice given directly from a government authority and therefore official and safe information. Begin with the about page, where they will tell you the basics of identity theft, tell you all the methods for how thieves steal your identity and what they do with it after it is stolen. This will give you the background as to how important it is to protect yourself from identity theft and where you may already be incredibly vulnerable. After you have sifted through all of the information on the FTC website, check out other websites online to further your knowledge of how to protect yourself against identity theft in the future, as there is a lot of other useful information out there.

Go to Your Bank

If you have had your identity stolen and money has been taken out of your account, you immediately need to go to your bank and notify them, so they can keep anyone from taking any more money out of the account. Many of the larger banks, like Bank of America, will automatically refund the money that has been stolen from you while they investigate the theft, only taking the money back if they believe you have misled them. The bank will also help to educate you on how to protect your identity and account information from thieves after this happens.

File a Police Report

By filing a police report after you have had your identity stolen, you will have an easier time disputing any of your credit reports which have been hurt by this identity theft, as well as getting reimbursed for any money that has been stolen from you or charges you never made to a credit card. The police will get all the information about your spending habits and where you used your card (be online or in person) over the prior week to see if they can pinpoint where your identity was stolen so they can have a chance at catching the thieves. They will also give you information on how to protect yourself in the future.