Steps to Overcome Identity Theft: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Life

Identity theft is a serious crime that can wreak havoc on your financial well-being. If you’ve been a victim, it’s essential to take swift action to protect yourself and begin the journey toward recovery. Unity Catholic can help ease the stress with Credit Sense, which is available through home banking and our mobile app. Here’s how to overcome identity theft and rebuild your financial life:

1. Freeze Your Credit:

• Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a credit freeze on your account. This will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

2. File a Police Report:

• Report the identity theft to your local police department. A police report will be necessary for many steps in the recovery process.

3. Contact Your Creditors and Banks:

• Notify all of your creditors and banks about the identity theft. Close any compromised accounts and request new cards or account numbers.

4. Place a Fraud Alert:

• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This will alert potential creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft.

5. File a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report:

• File an identity theft report with the FTC. This report can help you document the crime and obtain additional resources.

6. Review Your Bills and Statements:

• Carefully review all of your bills and statements for any unusual activity. Report any suspicious charges to the appropriate companies.

7. Rebuild Your Credit:

• If your credit is damaged, it may take time to rebuild it. Pay your bills on time, keep your credit utilization low, and consider disputing any negative items on your credit reports.

Identity theft is challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right tools, including Credit Sense from Unity Catholic FCU, you can regain control of your credit and protect yourself from future fraud.