Identity Theft Support

If you suspect that someone you know has become a victim of identity theft, it's crucial to provide them with the right guidance and support to help them navigate the situation.

Here's what our Consumer Credit Counselors can do to assist you:

1. Encourage Them to Act Quickly: Time is of the essence in dealing with identity theft. Encourage the victim to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage.
2. Contact Financial Institutions: Advise the victim to contact their banks, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions they have accounts with. They should inform these institutions about the identity theft and request to freeze or close compromised accounts.
3. File a Police Report: Suggest that the victim file a report with their local police department. This can be important for establishing a record of the identity theft and may be required by some institutions for further actions.
4. Contact Credit Bureaus: Recommend that the victim contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on their credit report. This alert will make it more difficult for the thief to open new accounts in the victim's name.
5. Review Credit Reports: Help the victim obtain their credit reports from the major credit bureaus and review them for any unauthorized accounts or transactions.
6. Monitor Accounts: Advise the victim to closely monitor their financial accounts and credit reports for any unusual or unauthorized activity. This vigilance can help catch any further fraudulent actions.
7. Change Passwords: Encourage the victim to change passwords for all their online accounts, including email, social media, and financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
8. Inform Government Agencies: If necessary, guide the victim to report the identity theft to relevant government agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States.
9. Document Everything: Help the victim keep a detailed record of all communications, actions taken, and documents related to the identity theft case. This documentation may be required for legal purposes.
10. Seek Professional Help: In severe cases, it might be advisable for the victim to consult with an attorney who specializes in identity theft or a credit counseling agency for additional guidance.
11. Stay Informed: Keep the victim informed about potential scams and phishing attempts that might target them during this vulnerable time.

Remember, our role is to support and guide the victim through the process. If the situation is complex, we can provide expert assistance.