Regain control of your finances

Identity theft is more than just a financial inconvenience; it’s a stressful, life-changing event that can take months or even years to recover from. Unfortunately, in today’s digital age, it’s more common than ever. At CH Dean, we’ve created this comprehensive Identity Theft Recovery Guide to help you take action quickly. We prioritize our clients’ financial safety and want to equip you with the tools and knowledge to act quickly if you find yourself a victim of identity theft. Here’s a comprehensive guide on your immediate actions, next steps to take, and additional tips to ensure your financial well-being.

Immediate actions (first few hours)

If you suspect you have been a victim of identity fraud, time is of the essence. The faster you act, the better your chances of limiting the damage.

1. Contact your bank immediately:
   • Action: Call your bank’s fraud department immediately (many banks have a 24/7 hotline). Explain your situation and report the fraudulent activity.
   • Goal: Request that your accounts be blocked and ask the bank to start an investigation.
   • What you should ask: Confirmation of the fraudulent activity, temporary blocks on your accounts, and instructions for creating new account numbers.
2. Freeze your credit:
   • Action: Contact all three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert and credit freeze. This will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
     • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
     • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
     • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
   • Goal: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open an account in your name.
3. Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
   • Action: Visit IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.
   • Goal: When you file a report with the FTC, a recovery plan is generated, along with pre-filled forms and letters you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts and transactions.

Next steps (within the first 24 hours)

Once you’ve taken the initial steps to secure your accounts, it’s time to gather more detailed information and notify the appropriate parties. This brings us to the next three steps of our identity recovery guide.

4. Report to the police:
   • Action: Visit your local police station with the following:
     • A copy of your FTC identity theft report
     • A government-issued photo ID
     • Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
     • Any evidence of fraudulent activity (bank statements, emails, etc.)
   • Goal: An official police report can support your case with financial institutions and credit bureaus.
5. View and document all recent banking activities:
   • Action: Carefully review your recent bank statements, online banking activity, and any alerts from your bank.
   • Goal: Identify all unauthorized transactions and create a list with dates, amounts, and descriptions to facilitate investigation.
6. Inform other financial institutions:
   • Action: Contact other banks or credit card companies where you have an account.
   • Goal: Prevent further fraudulent activity and request account closure or freezing if necessary.

Within the first 12 hours

During this phase, you focus on limiting access to your personal information and securing your financial data.

7. Keep an eye on your credit report:
   • Action: Request free credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com or directly from each bureau.
   • Goal: Check your credit report regularly for unknown accounts or inquiries and report any irregularities.
8. Change passwords and PIN codes:
   • Action: Update the passwords, PINs, and security questions for all your financial, email, and personal accounts.
   • Tip: Use complex, unique passwords and consider using a password manager to keep your data secure.
9. Alert utility companies and service providers:
   • Action: Notify your mobile carrier, utility companies, and other service providers about the identity theft.
   • Goal: Make sure the thief does not change your account details or open new accounts in your name.

Within the first 24 hours

The work isn’t over yet. Stay vigilant and continue to follow this Identity Theft Recovery Guide to be proactive and ensure your recovery goes smoothly.

10. Sign up for a credit monitoring service:
    • Action: Consider services like Experian, LifeLock or IdentityForce for ongoing credit monitoring.
    • Goal: These services alert you in real time to suspicious activity on your credit report.
11. Contact your bank:
    • Action: Contact your bank regularly to check the status of their investigation and recovery efforts.
    • Goal: Stay informed about the progress of recovering your stolen funds and dealing with fraudulent activity.
12. Keep a record of all communications:
    • Action: Keep a log of all telephone calls, emails and letters you send or receive, including dates, contact names and reference numbers.
    • Goal: Detailed documentation is vital to contesting the charges or continuing to cooperate with authorities.

Additional Identity Theft Recovery Guide Tips for Long-Term Protection

By taking these extra precautions, you can secure your financial future:

• Consider a fraud recovery specialist: If the process feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional identity theft recovery service. Keep in mind that there may be a fee involved.
• Stay vigilant: Continue to monitor your bank accounts, credit reports, and personal information over the next few months. Identity theft can have a long-term impact; more fraudulent activity may come to light down the road.
• Notify the IRS: If you are concerned about identity fraud involving the IRS, you can file an identity fraud statement (Form 14039) with the IRS.
• Check your insurance policies: Some homeowners insurance policies protect against identity theft. Contact your insurance company to see if you have coverage or if you can add it to your policy.

Protect yourself in the future

Identity theft can happen to anyone, but knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference. At CH Dean, we are committed to helping you secure your financial future. If you need additional assistance or would like to discuss steps to protect your assets, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

By following the steps outlined in this Identity Theft Recovery Guide, you can take control and protect your financial future. Remember, your financial well-being is always worth protecting.

Protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever in today’s world, so we invite you to an exclusive event on October 9 at 2:00 PM via Zoom. We will be there Seth ChromickOwner and Principal Consultant of SFC Consulting, who has over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and has worked for top organizations such as GE Aviation and Cincinnati Bell.

During this informative session, Seth will discuss:

• Scammers scam – How to recognize and avoid scams targeting your data.
• Identity theft – The latest tactics cybercriminals use and how to protect yourself.
• Cyber ​​Security Tips – Practical steps you can take to keep your data safe.

Don’t miss this opportunity to avoid cyber threats and protect yourself. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW and take the first step towards securing your financial future.

Stay safe, stay informed and protect your identity.