Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number or other personal information to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund. Most people who experience identity theft must take several steps to recover. IdentityTheft.gov is a resource to help you report and recover from identity theft. The site provides step-by-step advice and helpful resources like easy-to-print checklists and sample letters. If you believe that someone is using your personal information, visit IdentityTheft.gov and/or contact Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch at 231-922-4550 and request to speak with a police officer.
Warning Signs
There are many ways that you might
discover that someone is using your information . You might get a notice from the IRS or find unfamiliar accounts on your credit report. You might notice strange withdrawals from your bank account, get bills that aren’t yours, or get calls about debts that you don’t owe.
If you are a victim of identity (ID) theft, report it immediately. The Federal Trade Commission and your local police department are critical in filing the complaint. Once you file the ID theft with the FTC, you will have an ID theft affidavit. File the crime with the local police and get a police report when available. These two documents together are your identity theft report. Your identity theft report will be very important as you resolve the problem with creditors, banks, and any other companies where fraudulent accounts were set up in your name.
Then, take a deep breath and begin to repair the damage. Depending on your situation, your next step might be closing accounts opened in your name, or reporting fraudulent charges to your credit card company. IdentityTheft.gov can help — no matter what your specific identity theft situation is.
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