5 steps that all identity theft victims should take

Despite the introduction and implementation of new cybersecurity laws, identity theft remains one of the biggest online crimes. Every year, hundreds of Internet users around the world suffer from one or more identity theft cases. If you feel your ID card has recently been stolen and abused, here are the five steps that all professional security and experts believe you must take.

Step 1: Block your card
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  The most common of all identity thefts is when someone steals your credit card details and uses it. Once your card has been stolen or abused, please leave a red flag on your credit report and notify your bank and credit lender immediately. This can extend your credit limit.

To issue a red flag, you must notify all three credit rating agencies [Equifax, TransUnion and Experian]. This will result in a 9-day fraud alert on your card. However, a better option is to securely freeze your credit report.

A security freeze prevents thieves from using your credit card. In the meantime, you can apply for another card by following the steps. The advantage of a security freeze is that it allows credit agencies to temporarily "unfreeze" your files, thereby legitimizing the new credit card issuance process.

By setting up fraud alerts in your credit report, you can request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit rating agencies. If you encounter any fraudulent items in your credit report, please check your credit report online. Although it is difficult to catch the culprit in this way, it does let you know where the culprit applies for credit under his name.

Step 2: Call your bank
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  The next logical step is to call your bank and let them know about the theft. If your checkbook is also stolen, the bank needs to be notified as soon as possible.

Step 3: Contact the affected direct personnel
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  In addition to your bank, you can also contact other agencies [such as lenders, your lawyers and home lenders]. These agencies should be notified as soon as possible that your credit card has been stolen. This will allow them to relax their payment terms and extend your credit period when needed.

Step 4: Call the FTC
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  The US Federal Trade Commission [FTC] has a dedicated hotline to handle all credit card-related identification theft. By submitting a report online or by calling them, they will be able to guide you on what to do next. The advantage of calling the FTC is that they will provide personalized help based on your specific situation.

Step 5: Call the police
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  Once all interested parties are notified, the final step is to submit a police report. Your local law enforcement agency should be aware of theft. Your police report and the FTC identity theft affidat together make up your identity theft report. This report will help you when you work with any credit reporting agency or other company.

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