Discovering that you are a victim of identity theft can be devastating. Unfortunately, this can severely affect your life, as you may find that your ability to obtain loans or housing is impacted. Many victims feel as though there is nothing they can do when their identity is compromised, leading to these instances going unreported. However, if you are a victim, filing a report and connecting with a Michigan identity theft lawyer is in your best interest. The following blog explores why you should file a report and the steps you can take to recover.
Why Should I Report Instances of Identity Theft?
Unfortunately, when you are impacted by identity theft, it can feel like there is nothing you can do. Often, those who commit identity theft are impossible to locate due to the fact that they are often technologically advanced, meaning they can cover their tracks. In many cases, they may be located outside of the United States, making prosecution nearly impossible. As such, you may assume that the only thing you can do is suffer the consequences.
However, it’s critical to understand that you should still report the identity theft, even if you believe the perpetrator will never be found. Filing a police report and a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can be incredibly beneficial. Having a police report can help as some banks or financial institutions may not accept your claim of identity theft without a police report. Additionally, the FTC report is incredibly beneficial as it can provide detailed steps to recover from the theft based on the circumstances you’ve reported. In many instances, the FTC report is considered proof that identity theft has occurred when submitting disputes to credit reporting agencies for the removal of fraudulent information.
What Steps Should I Take if I Believe My Identity Has Been Compromised?
If you have reason to believe that you are a victim of identity theft in Michigan, there are a number of steps you should take to mitigate potential damages. The first thing you should do is secure all accounts that may have been impacted by contacting the fraud departments and reporting the breach. This allows you to update your security information, like your passwords, PINs, and security questions.
Next, you should contact the credit reporting agencies to report the fraud and request that a fraud alert be placed on your account. This prevents accounts from opening in your name, as it alerts potential creditors of the identity theft, thus requiring them to confirm your identity before extending new lines of credit in your name.
Finally, you should connect with an experienced consumer defense attorney with Lyngklip & Associates to help you navigate these difficult matters. Our firm understands the complexities of these matters, which is why we are dedicated to helping you through these circumstances. If you have been impacted by the fraudulent actions of another, contact us today to learn how we can fight for you and help you reclaim your identity.
