What should I do if I experience identity theft?

If you experience identity theft in Virginia, there are a few important steps that you should take. First, you should contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion and Equifax) and place a fraud alert on your credit report. This alert includes a statement that you have been a victim of identity theft. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC tracks and records reports of identity theft, and its identity theft database is used by businesses and law enforcement in investigations related to identity theft. Second, you should contact your local police department and file an identity theft complaint. Having a police report on file can help you protect your identity and prevent future fraud. You should also contact the companies where the identity theft occurred and inform them of the situation. Third, you should contact your bank or financial institution and close any accounts that have been compromised. It may also be necessary to open new accounts with new passwords. You should also contact the Internal Revenue Service if you suspect that someone has attempted to use your Social Security number for fraudulent purposes. Finally, you should consider contacting an attorney or consumer protection agency for further guidance and support. An attorney or consumer protection agency can help you understand your rights and provide you with additional resources related to identity theft.

Related FAQs

How do I choose a consumer lawyer?
What should I do if I experience identity theft?
What are the penalties for criminal fraud?
How can I file a complaint with the appropriate government agency for consumer fraud?
What are some common defenses in consumer fraud cases?
What is considered deceptive practice under consumer fraud law?
What is the role of banks and credit card companies in preventing consumer fraud?
What is telemarketing fraud?
What types of consumer fraud are the most commonly reported?
What are the different types of consumer fraud?

What should I do if I experience identity theft?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts