How to report identity theft

Identity theft is one of the most widespread and fastest growing financial scams in the United States. About 10 million people fell victims of this fraud last year.

To notice identity theft you should be very attentive and pay attention to these warning signs:

-          strange activity on your financial accounts;

-          credit cards and loans you didn’t apply for (when checking credit report);

-          purchases you didn’t make.

As soon as you understand you have got into identity theft, you have immediately report financial scam. 

Notify the authorities about identity theft. The first thing to do is to file a police report about identity theft. If the local police department doesn’t have “identity theft” report, you should file a "miscellaneous incident" report. It’s important to make a copy of your report.

Also, file your scam report to the Federal Trade Commission that is a powerful law enforcement establishment.

Contact your bank. Call to your bank and tell that you have become a victim of the identity theft. Bank will immediately freeze your account and it will be impossible for violators to use your assets. By the way, many banks offer identity theft alert solutions. If you install such alarm, you will be always aware of any unauthorized activities with your account.

Notify other financial institutions you deal with. Contact all financial institutions that deal with your account and report identity theft.

Report to the credit agencies. There three main credit bureaus in the United States: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. These companies make reports on individuals’ credit history.

The most important thing in case of experiencing identity theft is report financial scam as quickly as possible. Don’t hesitate contacting all organizations that might be helpful in your situation. The sooner you file a scam report, the more chances to save your money and catch frauds police will have.

Sure, it’s always better to prevent scam than deal with its consequences. The tips given below will help you to lower risk of becoming victim of the identity theft.

-          monitor your credit. At least once a month you should check your credit history in order to notice unauthorized activities in time;

-          record all your transactions. Keep a record of every transaction you make (purchases, money transfers etc.);

-          install security software – it will help to protect your PC from unauthorized intrusions;

-          shred documents that contain any financial information about your accounts or credit records. Thus, you will secure yourself from getting your personal data stolen;

-          install a fraud alert so you could be always aware of unauthorized activities on your account’

-          look through the latest scam reviews in order to know what are the main dangers you may face.

Be careful and attentive, follow all the safety rules and thus you will have more chances to avoid getting into financial scam. But if you happen to fall a victim of a financial fraud, don’t hesitate reporting it and saving your money! Find here more information about "how to protecting tour bank accounts".