Tips for Organizing Your Identity Theft Case

Victims of identity theft are faced with the difficult and time-consuming task of reversing the damage of false information and fraudulent transactions attributed to them. While there are clearly outlined remedies available to the ID theft victim (detailed in other articles we have provided), maintaining properly recorded information during the process is critical in assisting all parties involved. If you should ever find yourself in the position of fighting back against ID theft, you should use these tips to make the fight faster and more effective: 

• Maintaining accurate, organized, and complete records of all your accounts, past and present, will make rebuilding an accurate picture of your financial history much more streamlined and stress-free.
• Have a plan when you contact any company either to gather information or make a report. Don’t assume that the person you talk to will give you all the information or help you need. Prepare a list of questions to ask the representative, a list of objectives for making this contact. Don’t end the call until you’re sure you understand everything you’ve been told and what steps, if any, you are required to take as a result of what you have learned.
• When making contact with any organization about your case, have immediately accessible all details about your case and all histories of previous contacts you have made with other organizations on the subject.
• Remember that your identity theft case is of paramount importance. If you need more help or attention than what you are getting, don’t hesitate to ask to speak with a supervisor.
• Write down the name of everyone you talk to, their department and/or title, what he or she tells you, and the date and time the conversation occurred.
• Follow up in writing with all contacts you’ve made on the phone or in person. Use certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company or organization received, and when.
• Keep copies of every page of all correspondence and all forms you send, as well as copies of mailing envelopes showing the recipient’s address.
• Keep the originals of supporting documents like police reports and letters to and from creditors; send copies only.
• Set up a filing system for easy access to your paperwork.

Keep old files even if you believe your case is closed. Once resolved, most cases stay resolved, but problems can crop up.