Prevent Identity Theft On The Internet
January 22, 2010 by WebWarrior
Filed under Internet
Taking the right steps immediately after you discover that you have been the victim of an identity theft is extremely important. The following are some of the steps which you should immediately consider making.
1. Place a fraud alert.
Placing a fraud alert is undoubtedly the first thing you should do. You expose yourself to even greater danger by not doing this. This is the only way by which you can limit the actions of the thief. You will need to choose from one of two different types of fraud alert.An extended or initial fraud alert. An extended fraud alert is usually placed after you have been victim of a crime. With this type of fraud alert, transactions will only be allowed on your account after you have been personally identified. The other type of fraud alert is that of the initial fraud alert. You can choose to do this type of alert if you suspect that you might soon be a victim of identity theft. For example, in instance where your wallet gets stolen or missing, an initial fraud alert can be placed to prevent anyone else from using your credit details.
2.Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
Since you obviously do not have your credit cards anymore, you will need to consider opening a new account. You will also need to acquire fresh credit and ATM cards. You should have your request placed in writing. Although you still will have to call, writing them letters will help you keep a record of the details surrounding your requests. Most credit institutions will request for this anyway.
3. File a report with the correct agencies
Cases of identity theft are taken very seriously. You should not keep the incidence to yourself. Once you are done protecting yourself, make sure that you file a report of the incidence with the affected agency. It is advised that people who have been a victim of an identity theft, file a report with the local police force and one with the federal trade commission.
In conclusion it is important that you become more careful. In most cases of Identity theft, people lose their information not because they were attacked by a world class thief, but because they simply weren’t careful enough.
