Responding to identity theft is crucial to mitigate its impacts and protect yourself from further harm. Here are the steps you should take if you suspect or confirm that your identity has been stolen, tailored with a focus on using a service like IDArmor:
Immediate Actions
- Notify IDArmor: Contact IDArmor immediately to report the identity theft. They can provide assistance, guide you through the necessary steps, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
- Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax) to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This alert informs creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
- Check Your Credit Reports: Request a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Review them carefully for any unauthorized accounts or charges.
- Close Affected Accounts: Contact the companies where you know the fraud occurred. Close or freeze any compromised accounts and ask for new account numbers.
- Report to the FTC: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. This report will help you create a recovery plan and serve as proof of the crime.
Documentation and Monitoring
- Create an Identity Theft Report: Combine your FTC report with a police report to create an Identity Theft Report. This document will help you deal with creditors and debt collectors.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank, credit card, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Use IDArmor’s monitoring services to get alerts for any unusual activity.
- Review Your Medical Records: If you suspect medical identity theft, request copies of your medical records and review them for discrepancies.
Long-Term Steps
- Consider a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. You’ll need to contact each credit bureau separately to place a freeze.
- Secure Your Personal Information: Change passwords and PINs for your online accounts, especially if they are related to financial institutions. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest identity theft scams and tactics. IDArmor may provide educational resources and tips for preventing future identity theft.
Using IDArmor’s Services
- Credit Monitoring: Ensure your IDArmor subscription includes credit monitoring. This service will alert you to significant changes in your credit report.
- Identity Theft Insurance: Check if your IDArmor plan includes identity theft insurance. This can cover some of the costs associated with resolving identity theft.
- Recovery Assistance: Utilize IDArmor’s recovery assistance services to help navigate the process of restoring your identity.
By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided by IDArmor, you can effectively respond to identity theft and protect yourself from future incidents.