So I recently had my purse stolen right out of my car. It was partly my fault as I didn’t have my doors locked. It was cold and I was trying to get my kids in as soon as possible. I had planned on going back to lock up and get my purse after I got them into their classrooms buyt got side tracked and didn’t go out. A package was also taken so I know for sure that I didn’t loose it, it was stolen. So I have started a small series on identity theft that you might find interesting. Now comes the what to do when segment…
If you have had your identification stolen there are certain things you need to take care of rather quickly to save a HUGE headache later. Here is what I have done already.
- I cancelled my debit/credit cards immediately.
- My check book was taken, so I had to freeze my account and open a new one. You could just tell your banking institution not to allow those checks to go through but the theif still has your routing number.
- I carry my insurance card. So I had to notify my insurance carrier. They were gratious enough to send me another card out immediately.
- I still need to file a police report. (I am so behind due to the holidays!)
I had just cleaned out my purse that morning so here are some other things y ou will need to do as well.
- Check your credit report every three months. You can get a free credit report from equifax, transunion, and experian. Each one will give you one free credit reort a year so go to one in 3 months and then the next at 6 months as so on. There are plenty of places to get a free credit report so don’t pay for one.
- You have the option of putting a fraud alert on your credit with each of the 3 companies but if you need a loan, it will make it extremely dificult. We opted not to do so.
- If your keys were in your purse when it was taken, change the locks on your home. it will just make you feel safer.
- If you are really worried, I suggest you go to a identity protection company like LifeLock. You will have to pay a monthly fee but it might make your mind rest easy.
I hope none of you have to deal with this, but as long as the funky, odd, and wierd stuff happens to me, you can rest assured that the bad guys are busy and you are safe from their activites for the moment. HAHA!
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