Identity Theft will Continue; Here's How to Survive

It's funny that someone as clueless about money and financial anything should write this article. But after my experience with identity theft over the last month, I have a lot to say. The first is that the whole process of identity theft and credit fraud is absolutely awful, violating and intrusive. The sad thing is that it happens every day and will continue to happen, not just next year, but for many years to come.

I was hit across the board. My checking account, my Visa card, my other Visa card, not to mention my birthday being changed and the accounts opened in my name. Someone was having a ball being me and I can say for sure that I, the real Kerri, was having anything but fun.

I have talked to the local police, the FBI and the US Secret Service. I have changed every password, username and account in my life. Sure, I was weepy and scared at first. Then I was angry and outraged. Finally, I was confused. Where should I go? Who do I contact? How do I get through this?

It's not as easy as it should be. Especially considering that you are the victim. There's no single place with all the answers.

So now, I'm here to help. This is what you need to do.

First, find out what accounts have been used. Start keeping a detailed account of everything you can think of. I made a binder, including multiple tabs and a lot of highlighting. Ah, I love the smell of Office Depot in the morning. But I digress.

After you go through your accounts, start calling the fraud departments for those various institutions. Let them know you have had fraudulent activity on your accounts. They will send you an affidavit, which is basically a piece of paper you sign that states you did not make those charges.

Next, contact one of the three national credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion or Equifax. Place fraud alerts on your accounts. You only need to contact one of the three. They will pass your information on to the other two agencies. Also, order a copy of your credit report.

The next step is to make a pot of coffee because it's going to be a long day. Maybe even pop a bagel in the toaster. Even identity theft victims need nourishment.

After eating your food before someone steals that too, you need to contact your local police. File a report. This is important because some affidavits require an official report.

Next, go to the Federal Trade Commission website, at www.ftc.gov/idtheft, which is the website where I found the most useful information. There is so much easy-to-understand information on this website that you can't go wrong looking at it.

Lastly, take a few deep breaths. It sucks. I know firsthand. But you can get through it. Don't let anyone take your identity away from you!

Here are some useful websites and phone numbers:

Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/idtheft, 1-877-ID-THEFT

Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285

Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-680-7289

Equifax, Experian, TransUnion have also set up a website and phone number where you can request your credit report: www.AnnualCreditReport.com, 1-877-322-8228