Immediate Steps to Repair Identity Theft

Take immediate action if an identity thief strikes.

Immediate Steps

If you take action quickly, you can stop an identity thief from doing more damage. Follow these three steps as soon as possible:

  1. Place an Initial Fraud Alert
  2. Order Your Credit Reports
  3. Create an Identity Theft Report

Monitor Your Progress

Resolving identity theft takes phone calls and letters.  Create a system to organize your papers and calls, and to track deadlines.

ItemHow To TrackTips
Telephone CallsCreate a log of all telephone calls.
  • Record the date of each call and the names and telephone numbers of everyone you contact.
  • Prepare your questions before you call. Write down the answers.
Postal MailSend letters by
certified mail. Ask for a return receipt.
DocumentsCreate a filing
system.
  • Keep all originals.
  • Send copies of your documents and reports, not originals. Make copies of your identification to include in letters.
DeadlinesMake a timeline.

List important dates, including when:

  • You must file requests
  • A company must respond to you
  • You must send follow-up

 

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Tagged with: account, credit report, identity theft, Identity Theft Report
August 2012