In our last blog we discussed How to Prevent Identity Theft – Recognize if You’re a Victim. This week we’ll be discussing what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.
If you believe that you are a victim of identity theft, speed is of the essence. Take immediate action and keep a paper or electronic trail of your conversations and correspondence. Here is a check list of things that every victim of identity theft must do:
- Review all of your bank and credit card statements with a fine tooth comb: Note all suspicious transactions and notify the bank and/or credit card company immediately. Close all compromised accounts. Have new bank cards/credit cards issued. Change all PIN numbers.
- Review your credit report: Be on the lookout for any accounts that you didn’t open and for creditors who have made inquiries on your credit report when you didn’t ask for credit.
- Close any accounts you didn’t open and decline any new accounts you didn’t request: Contact each of the creditors individually and explain that you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
- Contact both major credit bureaus: Let them know you have been a victim of identity fraud and request that a Fraud Warning be placed on your credit file instructing creditors to contact you personally before opening new accounts in your name.
- Equifax Canada
1-800-465-7166 - TransUnion Canada
1-877-525-3823 - Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): Report your identity theft to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center on their website or by calling 1-888-495-8501.The CACF is the central agency in Canada that collects information and criminal intelligence on all forms of mass marketing fraud, including advance fee fraud letters (e.g. West African fraud letters), Internet fraud, identity theft complaints and others.
- Contact your local police: Report your identity theft to your local police. Be sure to advise them of any suspicious activity on your credit report. Make sure that you get a police report number.
- Contact Canada Post: If you’re not receiving your usual mail, someone may have had your mail re-directed. Notify Canada Post of your identity fraud.
- Contact your service providers: Report your identity theft to your service providers – Internet, cable, telephone, mobile phone, electricity, gas, water, etc.
If you are a victim of identity theft, debts have been incurred in your name and you are looking at your options in dealing with debt in general, you must now take that action too. The Ira Smith Team is here to help. With immediate action and a solid financial plan you can be well on your way to Starting Over, Starting Now. Don’t delay! Contact us today!