January 2, 2009, Newsletter Issue #85: Effective ID Theft Reporting Starts with Organization

Tip of the Week

When you become the victim of identity theft you also become your own caseworker to report identity fraud and keep the momentum going forward to get all issues resolved. If you have good organization skills, they’ll come in handy, and if you don’t, consider enlisting a trusted friend or family member to help you keep your information organized. Here are a few tips on how to organize your case:

Don’t make calls without a plan. Before you contact a credit reporting agency or a creditor company to report the crime or solicit information about the reporting process, prepare a list of questions to ask. Also document as much as you know about your identity theft case so you can talk about it calmly and logically. And if you’re not satisfied with the answers that you’re given, ask to speak to a supervisor. Keep a list of all the calls you make. Write down the name of each person you talk to, their phone numbers, the date of the call, and specifics about the conversation. Follow up in writing with all contacts you've made on the phone or in person. Send your correspondence using certified mail with a return receipt requested so you have a record that the company or organization received your letter and when. Keep copies of all correspondence or forms you send and receive. Never send originals when required to provide supporting documents. Send copies only.Set up a simple filing system for easy access to paperwork related to your identity theft case. Once your case is resolved, keep all your files. It is unlikely that you will need to use them again, but problems can sometimes reappear and your saved documentation will prove invaluable.

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