Credit Repair For Identity Theft Victims

Identity theft victims are those people that loose simply because someone has stolen their

identity and run up their bills. If you are victim of Identity Theft you are well-aware how

difficult it can be to get back on your feet again. Identity Theft victims often have to go

through a series of steps to repair their credit and identity. Once the victim has made

contact with the 3 credit bureaus they often put a Freud Alert on your credit report, which

is supposed to be a protection to you, but the truth is it is a 'mistake' since it labels the

victim. If you go to apply for a loan or credit card it is likely you will receive a rejection

in the mail. So, is there a solution for Identity Theft victims and how can they repair the

credit? First, it is important to avoid Identity Theft by protecting your Social Security

Card, Driver License and other important information about yourself. However, if you

are already in the credit bureaus labeled under the Freud Alert, then you may find

yourself giving up. Identities are stolen in several ways. The Internet is swarming with

predators waiting to mess up someone else's life. People may stand over your shoulder

peeking down at you while you are keying in your PIN number at the bank. You might

have been in a relationship and the person decides he/she owns you and when you break

up that person takes your identity. There are several ways that your Identity can be stolen.

The solution is then protecting your identity with shields that no one can break through. If

you are a victim of Identity Theft then your identity needs to be protected more so than

ever. This sounds crazy since someone already has your ID. You will need to stay alert to

the activities that affect your credit report. It is important that you keep updated copies of

your reports at all time. If you notice activity, immediately dispute the claims against

you. Be sure to file a police report since you will need these reports to show the 3 bureaus

and others that your identity has been stolen. Once you receive the reports be sure to send

copies to each credit bureau so that the companies can get you on record. The companies

are going to put up a Freud Alert once the copies are evaluated. Here is where you need

to stay alert. Instead of Freud Alerts, the companies can put up a FREEZE on your

accounts. A Freeze gives you the options that Freud Alerts will not. For example, if you

go to a bank and apply for a loan with a Freud Alert on your accounts, most likely you

will be turned down. However, if the banks see that you have a FREEZE on your

accounts, they will investigate and possibly give you the loan. Freeze means that

someone has affected your life by stealing your identity, while Freud means that someone

has committed a criminal act on your account, and that someone could very well be you.

You will also need to report any checks that you suspect were stolen. Monitor your

banking account at all times to make sure that no out of place activities are going on. It is

important that you alert your utility providers and anyone that you have open accounts

with. If you have credit cards report them immediately to get replacements. You may

even want to cancel your current bank account and open a new account. This will offer a

source of protection. It is also important that you contact your Social Security Office to

find out if your Social Security has been used out of place. If actions have been listed on

your card, be sure to let the Social Security Administrators know. Making others aware of

what is going on in your life, can spare you additional headaches. You are already a

victim of criminal behaviors, why not take the steps to repair your credit and restore your

life. Finally, you will need to contact Washington D.C. or the Identity Theft

Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commissions and let them know you are a victim of

Identity Theft.