Florida Private Investigators – Tips for Dealing with Identity Theft
While Conducting Fraud Investigations as a Private Investigator in Fort Lauderdale, I have seen lives disrupted or ruined over Identity Theft. Thieves range from using low tech methods, like going through garbage or stealing mail, to high tech methods such as skimming devices for ATM machines, sending malicious emails with malware. Tips for Dealing with Identity Theft:
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission [ www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov ].
- File a Police Report. Make it detailed on where fraud occurred with account numbers, etc. Also, provide police with the FTC complaint form you filed.
- Call the fraud units of 3 National Credit reporting organizations [Experian: 888-397-3742, Equifax: 800-525-6285, Transunion: 800-680-7289]. Place fraud alert on your reports.
- Contact all fraud units for financial instituitions – Banks, credit cards, mortgage, etc.
- Cancel all Credit Cards.
- Keep detailed notes of all your efforts. Stay organized with a journal – dates, times, person spoke to and details of conversation and efforts made.
According to LifeLock, the following resources can also be be helpful:
- Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/idtheft
- U.S. Dept. of Justice: www.usdoj.gov
- National Organizational for Victim Assistance: www.trynova.org
- Free Annual Credit Report: www.annualcreditreport.com
- Norton Online Risk Calculator: www.everyclickmatters.com
PROTECT YOURSELF and us these Tips for Dealing with Identity Theft.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation and are in need of professional services, make sure the Private investigator is experienced in these types of cases. Proper background checks may also help identifying theft indicators.
If you are in need of services in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, contact a professional investigator.