ID Theft, Protection, And Restoration

You find out that you’re a victim of identity theft. You knew something was wrong because things just didn’t add up like the strange phone calls, bill collectors wanting money for accounts you didn’t know you had, a police officer arrests you during a routine traffic stop, or you find out your medical information has the wrong blood type reflected for you.

What is the first thing you should do when you discover you are a victim of Identity Theft? The most logical first step, besides running in circles, cursing, screaming and shouting, is to file a police report. Well, what if the police won’t take a report?

As astounding and inane as that may sound, some law enforcement personnel don’t get excited about writing up a report. It’s their position that the creditor is the one who suffered the financial loss; hence, they think you’re not the victim. Clue: Don’t expect law enforcement to be up-to-date on banking and credit card company policies as to the amount of your liability. Some officers, from new rookies to the soon-to-be-retired, may tell you to have your bank or credit card company file the complaint.

Now, here is the next step to insanity. Your credit card company, bank, whoever, may decide not to do this cooperate and file a police report. Companies figure that it’s not cost-effective to spend time and energy assisting the police, so these companies just absorb the loss for what they are liable for and jack everyones’ interest rate or stick it to you in another fashion to make up for “their” loss.

Bottom line, even if your creditor won’t file a report or cooperate in the prosecution of an identity thief, insist that the police take a report. If they won’t, contact your local State Attorney’s office and ask how you can file a report since your local police department or sheriff’s office is being uncooperative. You will get some action.

Your Identity Protector,
Nancy Dewitz

Nancy Dewitz is co-founder of BTR-Security with personal Identity Theft solutions tailored to consumers’ specific needs. She and her partner Robert Listerman are authors of the ebook “The Many Faces of Identity Theft.” They are consumer advocates and creators of individualized Identity Protection programs that give you and your family the options needed to keep your life intact.

If you have an Identity Theft story or experience that you’d like to share and become part of our upcoming book, please let us know. We’d love to hear all about it.