disputing identity theft on your credit report

​DISPUTING IDENTITY THEFT ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT

​How To Protect Your Identity: Disputing Identity Theft On Your Credit Report

Recognizing Signs Of Identity Theft:
If you notice unfamiliar accounts or transactions on your credit report, it could be a sign of identity theft. Monitoring your credit report regularly is key to detecting any suspicious activity early on.

Taking Immediate Action - Fraud Alert On Your Credit Report:
If you discovery any discrepancies on your credit report, it is crucial to act. Contact the credit bureaus to report the identity theft and request a fraud alert on your account. This alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before extending credit, adding an extra layer of security while you are dealing with identity theft on your credit report.

Close Accounts That Have Been Tampered With Or Opened Fraudulently: Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company notifying them of the identity theft. Follow up in writing and include copies of supporting documents such as police reports and an Identity Theft Report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It’s important to notify credit card companies, banks, and other creditors/lenders in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can keep a record of what you sent to each company.

Create An Identity Theft Report By Reporting Identity Theft To The Federal Trade Commission: 
An Identity Theft Report is a document that will help you deal with the credit reporting companies, debt collectors, banks, or other businesses where accounts were opened in your name due to identity theft. You can use the Identity Theft Report to help:

• get fraudulent information removed from your credit report
  
• stop a company from collecting debts that result from identity theft, or from selling the debt to another
  company for collection
  
• place an extended fraud alert on your credit report
  
• get information from companies about accounts the identity thief opened or misused
  
  
  

Creating An Identity Theft Report Involves 3 Steps:

1. Submit a complaint about the identity theft to the FTC. When you finish providing all the details, print a copy of the report. The report will print out as an "Identity Theft Affidavit."
   
2. Make a police report about the identity theft, and get a copy of the police report or the report number. Take your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit when you file a police report.
   
3. Attach your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit to your police report. This is considered an Identity Theft Report.
   

After making an Identity Theft Report, the FTC will enter your information into the Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, a nationwide databank that assists law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of identity thieves. 

Be Ready To Fight To Dispute The Identity Theft:
Some companies may refuse to correct your credit report or may not deem the Identity Theft Report sufficient. These decisions can depend on the policies and procedures of the credit reporting company. If you are having difficulty, it is imperative to involve professional help such as an identity theft victims' lawyer. 

Gather Evidence:
To support your case when disputing the identity theft and fraudulent information, gather all relevant documents such as your identification, proof of address, and details of the identity theft. Providing this evidence strengthens your position during the credit dispute process.

Submit A Credit Dispute The Credit Bureaus Regarding The Identity Theft:
Submit a written dispute letter to the credit bureaus detailing the inaccuracies on your report due to identity theft. You will need to clearly identity the fraudulent accounts or transactions and provide any supporting documentation, details, and narrative to validate your claim.  Be sure to mail your dispute with tracking or delivery confirmation in case you need to prove that the bureau received the dispute later on. This type of credit dispute is better off in writing as opposed to an online dispute.  
Follow-Up On Your Identity Theft Credit Dispute: 
After submitting your dispute, you should hear back from the credit bureaus within 30 days. Stay proactive by following up with the credit bureau to ensure that your credit dispute is being investigated.  Being persistent is the key to resolving identity theft issues on your credit report.

We have helped identity theft victims dispute fraudulent information and file lawsuits under the Fair Credit Reporting Act when companies refuse to remove fraudulent and inaccurate information from consumer credit reports.   If you are a victim of identity theft please contact us to request a free phone or zoom consultation.