Identity Theft - The Most Common Mistakes After Identity Theft Occurs
Posted on June 14, 2008 | Filed Under
Identity Theft Fraud
Identity theft is a horrible crime and it occurs more often than you know. But the real tragedy is that no one cares. The credit card companies, the stores and the collection people could care less. All they want is the money and they don't care where it comes from. As a matter of fact they hope you will pay it because if you prove that it was a theft they get nothing.
So, the collector's will pressure you to pay to save your credit rating or protect your good name. If that doesn't work they will accuse you of filing a false report to avoid paying for all the stuff you bought. They have one goal and that is to collect the money.
Even if you have shown that it was a forgery or identity theft, collectors will still try to collect from you. They might even send your case to more than one collector in hopes that somewhere along the way you will pay the bill.
If bad checks are involved, collectors might even threaten to press charges and have you arrested. They might even do it, but if you didn't write the check don't give-in to their threats. If you get arrested, you will more than likely be released on a PR bond and assigned a court date. Go home a prepare your case.
So, realize that no one cares about your plight and you must avoid making the following 3 mistakes if want to win your battles.
Mistake #1 - Don't Close Your Checking Account
As soon as you know that your identity has been stolen close your checking account and remove your money. Then immediately go to your bank and let them know what has happened. If at all possible try to get the bank to prepare an affidavit of forgery for you.
Mistake #2 - Don't File a Crime Report
You must get a crime report either for identity theft or forgery but it is very important to have a crime report. The crime report becomes a major part of your arsenal for dealing with collectors. Remember the thieves are only a small part of the problem.
Mistake #3 - Don't Call the Credit Bureaus
You need to call all three credit bureaus and file a fraud alert that will flag your account for 90 days. If someone tries to obtain credit in your name you will be called and alerted. However, you will not be able to obtain on the spot credit due to the alert. I is very important to call the credit bureaus.
Mistake #4 - Pay the Bills
The biggest mistake you can make is to pay the bogus bills. When you pay the bills you are suggesting that you owe the money giving the collectors information to use against you. Don't believe what they tell you. They will lie to get you to send them money. If you are innocent then hold to your claim. Don't pay the bills.
The best way to deal with identity theft is to prevent it. Be very careful with your financial information and take precautions to keep it out of the hands of others.
If you would like to know more about identity theft and how to prevent it or deal with it got to http://idtheftsurvivalguide.com
Darrell Causey is not a lawyer just a victim and survivor of identity theft.
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