What should I do if I discover that an identity thief has used my information to commit fraud?
If you discover that an identity thief has used your information to commit fraud, it is important to take immediate action in order to protect yourself and your financial interests. In the state of Illinois, victims of identity theft may report the crime to the Chicago Police Department, as well as the Office of the Attorney General. You should also place a fraud alert on your accounts with the three major credit reporting agencies and all creditors. This will help to prevent the thief from opening new accounts in your name. You should also place a security freeze on any credit accounts that were affected by the fraud in order to restrict access. It is also important to create a written log of all relevant information regarding the case. Be sure to include all of the contact information you have for the police department you reported the crime, as well as any creditors involved and the credit reporting agencies whose protection steps you took. Finally, you should monitor all of your accounts on a regular basis and watch for any suspicious activity. If you become aware of any potential fraud, you should take immediate action to report it. With the right steps and vigilance, you can help to prevent further damage from identity theft.
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