Identity Theft Restoration Can Take Time And Effort
Once a person's identity has been stolen in can take years to return their credit report and reputation back to normal. All victims of identity theft relate how difficult it was to climb out from under the problems created when someone else destroyed their financial well-being by pretending to be them. However, as difficult as it may be identity theft restoration can be completed over time, provide the right steps begin as soon as the problem is discovered.
One of the first steps needed to be taken for identity theft restoration is convincing creditors with which fraudulent accounts have been opened that the account was opened as a result of identity theft. Notifying the three major credit reporting agencies of the theft can result in a temporary freeze on credit report access but will take considerably more documentation to extend the freeze for seven years.
Unfortunately, the credit reporting agencies and many creditors take reports of identity theft as an attempt by an individual to get out of paying for their obligations. Especially when charges and other issues with their credit take place in or near their home town. The biggest battle in identity theft restoration may simply be convincing everyone that it happened to them.
Filing Police Report Does Not End Theft Battle
Even when local law enforcement is will to fill out a report on the alleged theft of identity, not everyone recognizes the report as valid proof the individual is not the one that bought the new car, or opened the new line of credit. Although if any business can provide video evidence of the illicit transaction it can be used in identity theft restoration efforts. Federal and state laws have been enacted to give victims more tools in fighting back against identity theft, but it is taking financial institutions a long time to accept that fraud may have been committed.
Not everyone that is told about the theft of an identity is going to instantly believe it. Making sure the facts are available and accurately reported can go a long way down the path of identity theft restoration. How it was determined the theft took place, any accounts opened under fraudulent pretenses and where will all be needed when filling out a report.
Documenting every thing that has been charged under the victim's name as well as documentation t prove they are not at the location of the charge at the time it was made can play a big role in identity theft restoration for the victim.
