The Identity Theft Support Center

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like identity theft, you are never alone. Countless men and women have faced the exact same problem and have survived and thrived. The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other survivors when they faced the same challenge.

TSC has scoured the Internet and assembled links to the very best identity-theft resources: Articles, blogs, forums and tools that can help you make better decisions and take action to overcome the range of physical, emotional and other challenges that you face.

As you’ll see, we always welcome your ideas and suggestions to make this Identity Theft Guide even more helpful to survivors like you.

JUST FOUND OUT

Survivors Say: Best Resources for Identity Theft

Survivors say these are the best resources for those who have just found out -- check them out to find out more about your options.

• The Federal Trade Commission serves as the government's authority on identity theft. Use this site to learn how to avoid identity theft, and what to do if your identity is stolen.
  
• The U.S. Department of Justice gives a detailed understanding of identity theft and fraud, and what the federal government is doing to combat it. 

The Big Picture

Identity theft is a fraudulent criminal activity in which a perpetrator uses another individual's personal information (like your Social Security number or credit card number) or financial assets to make purchases, gain access to their money or even commit crimes. The crime is a relatively new one -- it was only in 1998 that  Congress passed a law making identity theft and identity fraud a federal offense. Since that time, an aggressive campaign to fight identity theft has developed, offering consumers more protection and less liability when victimized through identity theft.

In a perfect world, we would monitor all of our finances daily but unfortunately, most people learn their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done.  Understand what the signs of identity theft are to protect yourself from considerable loss.

Federal Trade Commission: What Are the Signs of Identity Theft?

Your Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that can make even the most stoic person deal with a whirlwind of emotions. By not letting identity theft overtake your mental stability,  you will  be more capable of getting to the root of the problem and beginning the appropriate investigation.

IDTheftFirstAid.com: Emotional Effects

Your World

There are multiple types of identity theft and identity fraud. Understanding your unique situation will help you to pursue the most effective course of action.

CreditReport.com: Different Types of Fraud

Identity Theft Myths

• Identity fraud is on the rise.
• Identity theft happens mostly through online transactions.
• Caller ID can protect you from identity theft.

Information and Recommended Links for Survivors:

Survivors say these are the best guides -- check them out to find out more about your options.

• Citi offers an excellent, easy-to-understand course of action if you're hit with identity theft.
• The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse gives detailed steps you need to take -- and who to contact -- to regain your financial health.

Course of Action Following Identity Theft

After you're aware that you've become an ID-theft victim, you need to take action -- and quickly. A quick response lessens the thief's chances of  doing further damage, and minimizes your financial liability.

Investopedia.com: What to Do If It Happens

Once you have dealt with the criminal side of ID theft, then you'll want to deal with the potential repair of your credit. Obtaining a credit report to view all timely and pertinent information will ensure that the experience hasn't hurt your credit and consumer power.

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse:  Monitor Your Credit Report

Protecting Yourself After Identity Theft

Presumably, once you've dealt with identity theft, you won't want to deal with it again. As is in most life experience, prevention of identity theft is much better than a cure.

Your Credit Advisor: The Ultimate Guide to Identity Theft Protection

There are many services that now claim to be foolproof when it comes to protecting your information and your assets from identity theft. Before signing up, consider all aspects of a service, and remember to read the fine print.

Next Advisor: Comparing Identity Theft Protection Services

People Who Can Help During Identity Theft

• The U.S. Department of Justice houses the Office for Victims of Crime, which can serve to be a great assistance in identity theft cases.
• Your local law enforcement office will be interested in your case, especially if there seems to be a pattern in your community. At the very least, a police report will help you with creditors who may try to refute your claims.

Books Survivors Recommend

• How to Be Invisible: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Personal Privacy, Your Assets, and Your Life  by J.J. Luna
• Identity Theft, Inc.: A Wild Ride with the World's #1 Identity Thief by Glenn Hastings
• The Wall Street Journal's Complete Identity Theft Guidebook: How to Protect Yourself from the Most Pervasive Crime in America by Terri Cullen

Information and Recommended Links for Co-Survivors:

How you can help

• The first thing you'll want to offer an identity theft survivor is a listening ear. Undoubtedly they'll have frustrations they'll want to share with a close friend or family member. Listen to their thoughts and then help them focus on the next step.
• Offer a course of action. First things first, all information that has been compromised needs to be changed. Help them identify any possible leaks by playing investigator; make a list and start checking tasks off.
• Go with them to the police station to file a police report.

What to say:

•  “You need to know your rights in regards to identity theft.”
•  “You should contact your financial institutions immediately and get a copy of your credit report.”
•  “I know you're frustrated but by law, you can only be liable for a very small amount.”

What not to say:

•  “Oh, you're going to have to pay all of that back!”
•  “I told you that you shouldn't throw important information in the trash.”
•  “That's why you should never buy anything online.”

How to build a support network

• Set up your TSC co-survivor profile
• Create a support group for your loved one
• Interact and provide updates

Helping a survivor deal with day-to-day challenges

• Work – After experiencing identity theft, the survivor may grow suspicious of people at work. Help alleviate his paranoia by encouraging him to be more prudent in giving out his personal information at work.
• School – It is truly a sign of the times when we have to be concerned for our child's credit and identity. However, schools are sources of secure information that an identity thief would love to tap.
• Family – If a spouse or family member has been victimized by ID theft, you can greatly help out at home. A good paper shredder is a worthwhile investment for protecting one's identity and financial assets. Consider some additional tips to share with a survivor.

After completing the necessary steps to rectify the situation, you'll want to begin the process of protecting yourself from a similar experience in the future. Cleaning your financial house regularly will help you keep track of suspicious transactions. In the event that another ID thief snoops around your information, you'll be aware in a timely fashion, making the process of dealing with creditors, financial institutions and law enforcement more efficient and effective.

Recovery and Recurrence

Prior proper planning prevents a plethora of problems: Subscribe to that philosophy, and you'll be well on your way to securing yourself against identity theft. With a little effort on your behalf - changing passwords frequently, storing important personal documents in a safe area and properly disposing of personal data – you'll give yourself the best chance to combat ID theft.

About.com: Ten Tips to Protect Against Identity Theft

Some banks and businesses may be reluctant to accept your claim of identity theft. If you are having issues with your financial institutions or creditors due to an ID theft case, consult with a lawyer specializing in consumer protection.

IdentityTheftAttorneys.com

When digging out of a frustrating ID theft experience, it's always nice to talk with other people who have dealt with the same problem, and shareyour stories with those concerned about protecting themselves against ID theft. 

About.com: Identity Theft Protection and Prevention Forum

Giving Back

• Create a TSC profile and begin interacting
• Share your story – How you found your way out of your identity theft scenario
• Become a mentor for another identity theft survivor

Only a small percentage of identity theft cases will result in "criminal identity theft," when someone has committed crimes in your name. That being said, it does happen and can lead to many legal headaches. 

 In some cases, you will not be able to work on clearing your name as fast as you'd like. Companies move slowly, partly to protect you. Most imposters are never found, let alone arrested or convicted. This is often not the fault of law enforcement but rather the nature of the crime, so work with the police while you work on clearing your good name. Restoring your identity can be done as long as you follow the right steps.The Identity Theft Resource Center offers free assistance if you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the task of restoring your identity and well-being.

Identity Theft Resource Center: Victim Resources