It is a frightening experience to get a call that tells you your identity has been co-opted and used in an unlawful way. There are different kinds of identity theft, but they all leave you feeling violated and vulnerable. This happens a lot in this day and age and companies are more prepared than ever to ease your burden. Often, credit card companies will send you a new credit card at the first sign of fraud and remove any unwanted charges. If the worst case scenario happens and a thief has accessed your personal information and opened a credit card, bank account, or utility in your name, more drastic measures need to be taken. Here is what you can do.
File a Report
Call the police and file a report. This is a crime just like your house being robbed or being mugged on the street. They are kind and will walk you through this process and recommend next steps.
Contact the FTC
Open a file with the Federal Trade Commission and fill out an affidavit. This may seem extreme, but you want to prove you have taken these steps to protect yourself from any future fraud.
Contact Banks
Contact all banks and credit card companies to let them know this has happened so they can be extra vigilant with regard to any strange charges or activity on your account.
Credit Monitoring
Sign up for a credit-monitoring alert through Equifax; these sometimes have hidden fees so be careful, but the sense of security is worth some version of this. They will alert you any time there is activity.
Don’t Panic
Most importantly, don’t panic. It will be okay, take these steps and move forward.
Read This Next
Marriage Retreats in Belize, Costa Rica & More
Trends
Sep 20, 2022#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
May 6, 2024Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton Opens
Hilton recently opened Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton, with 118 rooms and suites and an interior courtyard.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations
May 3, 2024What Destinations Have the Most 5-Star Restaurants?
A new study from Titan Travel has pinpointed the world’s major cities with the most 5-star restaurants per 100,000 residents, making traveling foodies’ choices easier when it comes to choosing their next travel destinations.
Destinations / North America
May 3, 20243 Reasons to Visit Midland, North Carolina, This Summer
Located just 30 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Midland is a great escape from the busy city. With beautiful wineries, thriving pastures and farms, and rolling hills, this town should make your summer list.
Sponsored Content
Experience Ireland’s
Wild Atlantic Way
From the windy tip of Malin Head in County Donegal to the colorful harbor town of Kinsale in County Cork, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way amazes at every turn. Feel the blast of fresh sea air with a lighthouse walk. Get up close to history, grab a fireside seat at a traditional music session, experience the world-famous Irish hospitality and explore some of Ireland's most exhilarating coastal scenery. It is a place that inspired dreamers and travelers, poets and painters with a landscape filled with stone walls, thatched cottages, deserted beaches and breathtaking views. Charming towns and villages, 1,500 miles of soaring cliffs, incredible landscapes and unique experiences await.
Hotel
May 3, 20244 Unique Hotels for Surf Lovers
Surf’s up! Head to these resorts around the world offering prime surfing options.
ShareThis