Spotya! payday lender continues a look at steps to take if you feel your identity has been stolen. In a previous blog, identity theft was explored. The first thing which any individual should do when they feel their identity has been compromised is to place a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus. In this blog post, the second step will be addressed, filing an identity theft report.
A direct payday lender’s tips for an identity theft report.
There can be two parts to an identity theft report. The first part is to be filed with the local state or federal enforcement agency. Include as much information as you possible can about the crime; when and where the crime happened, if you are aware of any fraudulent transactions or accounts opened, and if you are aware of who maybe the identity thief. The second part of the report will involve a reporting agency and any information provider. They have 15 days to work with you to make sure your identity theft report has been filled out correctly and fully.
Automated reports are preferred, and sometimes the only style of report accepted, by some of the state and federal agencies. Automated reports can be done online, by telephone or mail; but if you have a choice, do not use an automated report. It is more difficult to verify information this way and if you do need to provide additional information, the process will take longer. Try to find a local police department who will meet face to face to file your report with.
Any account which you know or think to believe has been tampered with, close it! Call each company and ask to speak to their fraud department. Do a written follow up with copies of any documents you have as proof. Never send the originals. Send your information certified mail with a return receipt of delivery. The time you spend documenting correspondences with creditors, will save you time if there are questions later.
If you are going to open any new accounts during this time period, make sure that you use passwords and personal identification numbers. Avoid using common and easily available information. Mother’s maiden name, birth dates, last four digits of your social security or a series of consecutive numbers are to be avoided when setting up new privacy settings.
Once the identity theft issue has been cleared with the company, request a letter documenting the discharge and/or closing of the accounts and debt. Keep this letter on file just in case any questions or concerns arise around this account.
Once you file your police report, keep a copy for yourself. Having this proof may help you deal with creditors who want proof that a crime was committed. If the police are reluctant to take your report, you can always file a “Miscellaneous Report” in order to document it, or try another jurisdiction. The Attorney General’s office is also another avenue which can be taken.
You will want to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission; you can be helping the law enforcement across the nation catch identity thieves. Online thieves are rampant, and they come in many shapes and forms. “Phishing schemes” are getting more common every day. Spotya! direct payday lender is aware of the rampant problems with identity theft. Educating the public is a mission of the company in order to safe keep individual’s finances.
