ITRC Solution 1 - Clearing a Fraudulent New Account
Financial identity theft may be discovered when the victim is notified by a company to verify if an application, which has been submitted, is an authorized application. The following steps are recommended:
- How were you notified?
- If by letter, contact the fraud department of that company.
- If by phone, make note of who you spoke with regarding this matter. You should ask to speak to the fraud department on all identity theft matters.
- Take notes during conversation. Have them deny the application.
- Contact the three major credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and order your complimentary credit report. Please review your credit reports to identify all fraudulent accounts. Refer to ITRC Solution 3 for the necessary contact information to place a fraud alert.
- Contact your local law enforcement to file a police report once you have any documented proof. You will want to order a copy of that police report.
- Refer to ITRC Letter Form 100-1 - Initial Victim of Identity Theft Statement and Fraudulent Account Information Request: to Credit Issuers and/or Merchants. Send this letter, and all supporting documents, to any company that lists a fraudulent account on your credit report.
- Give the company 20 days to respond.
Related Links:
ITRC Solution 10 - Should I file a police report?
ITRC Fact Sheet 100 – Financial Identity Theft: The Beginning Steps
This Solution should not be used in lieu of legal advice. Any requests to reproduce this material, other than by individual victims or their
own use, should be directed to
ITRC@idtheftcenter.org
.
© Copyright 2009 by Identity Theft Resource Center, Created by the ITRC staff