Consumer Tools and Resources
Arming yourself with knowledge of how identity theft works and how thieves are getting away with it is the first, best step that you can take to protecting yourself from becoming a victim of this crime. Learning the best ways to recover from identity theft will also help make the recovery process much easier.
ID Guards has compiled this list of resources and links to provide you with more of the tools you'll need to better protect yourself against identity theft - and help you begin the recovery process if you've already been a victim.
Sample Letters:
- Resolving Credit Disputes - a sample letter you can use to send to any or all of the three credit reporting bureaus and dispute the information found on your credit reports. This letter is formatted according to the guidelines recommended by the Federal Trade Commission. Word File | PDF File
- To a Credit Reporting Agency - a sample letter that you can use to report identity theft to any credit reporting agency and request their help with the first steps of correcting and closing any accounts. Word File | PDF File
- To your credit issuer - a sample letter that you can use to send to an individual bank, department store, or credit card company where identity theft has taken place and an account has been opened in your name without your prior knowledge. Use this letter in conjunction with the letter to the credit reporting agency and to any law enforcement agency to help recover your good name quickly while uncovering the thief and bringing him or her to justice. Word File | PDF File
- To Your Police Department (Or other Law Enforcement Agency) - a sample letter that you can use to send notification to your local police department that you have been a victim of identity theft and detail the steps that you have taken to correct the matter, along with any other cooperative measures they may need to find the thief and bring him or her to justice. It will also help you to send copies of this letter to the police department in the city where the crime took place (if different from your own city) as well as the Fraud Department at the Secret Service and filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Word File | PDF File
How else can your prevent further misuse of your identity?
- Remove yourself from Mailing Lists, including Email Lists and Telemarketing Lists by visiting the Direct Marketing Association.
- Add your name to DirectMail.com's "Do Not Mail" list to have your name removed from current mailing lists.
Further Resources on Education and Assistance when dealing with Identity Theft and Recovery:
Federal Resources and Help available for protection from Identity Theft and Assistance:
- Better Business Bureau
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission National Resource on Identity Theft
- Federal Trace Commission Identity Theft Affidavit
Other Organizations that can give you help and resources:
