TIPS FOR RECOVERY FOR RECOVERY FROM IDENTITY FRAUD
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Victims of identity theft often feel the immediate need to try to regain control of their lives and their identity.  Below are some suggestions that may help victims of fraud begin to take positive steps to recover their good name.

• Contact your bank and credit card companies.  Have them close compromised  accounts and flag them as "closed at consumer's request."  Change security passwords.  Do not use easy-to-guess codes such as the last four digits of your social security number or birth date.

• Report the fraudulent use of checks to National Check Verification Companies. (see Resources for information.)

• Contact creditors directly.  If you explain that you are a victim of fraud in financial difficulties and have documents to back this up, you may be eligible for special considerations such as deferral, reduction, or modification of credit card or loan payments (fraudulent and legitimate).  Copies of court orders, orders of restitution, or a letter verifying that you are a victim of crime may be available from the police, the prosecutor, or the Victim-Witness Assistance Program.

• Consult with a credit counseling service.  Many of these services are available for free.  They will work with you to consolidate or reduce payments and may be able to intercede on your behalf with creditors.

• Contact credit reporting agencies. Unfortunately, being a victim of crime does not always relieve the burden of paying illegal debts. If you do show a negative rating on your credit report, you will not be able to remove it, but you can to file a letter explaining the crime for future decisions based on your credit.  Working with credit reporting agencies can also help you determine if you are experiencing continuing debt because of on-going fraud. (NOTE: Be wary of individuals who claim that they can repair your credit rating for a fee.  This generally cannot be done and those who claim that they can are often con artists.)

• Seek assistance from credit card fraud units within National Credit Reporting Agencies.  They can place a "block" on a victim's credit files so that any new credit card application will be rejected until the victim can be contacted directly to verify the application.

• As a last resort, change your social security number.  This is usually only practical and allowable if the fraud has been extensive.

Unfortunately, the burden of repair often falls on the innocent victim.  As this crime grows, so does awareness and resources. Seek assistance. Persevere.  It's your identity. Do what you can to win it back.   If you run into a wall and cannot accomplish your goals, contact your legislators.  If the stress becomes overwhelming, find a support group.  People who have experienced crime can often find tremendous support and power when they band together.