Filing An Identity Theft Affidavit

Identity theft is something that can take hold of your life without you even knowing.  The results can be devastating, sometimes resulting in years of damage limitation and reparation.  Once that thief has a hold on your identity, there’s no telling how deeply they can abuse your information, and sometimes that’s a very steep hill to have to climb.  But, as long as you know what to do, the climb can be made as short as possible.  One of the first steps you should take is filing an identity theft affidavit, and here’s how you do just that:

-First you have to obtain an identity theft affidavit from the Federal Trade Commission.  You have a few options for doing so, you can either go to the FTC website where you can download and print the form online.  Or you have the option to call the FTC’s toll free number, and they will have the necessary forms sent out to you.

-Now you have to fill out the form.  Everything should be self explanatory, and the form has it’s own instructions for what information you need to provide in each section.  The first part mostly a description of your claim for identity theft, and the second part information regarding the fraudulent accounts that have been opened in your name.

-Then you have to contact all the credit companies and banks that fraudulent accounts have been opened.  Or even your current companies, if your personal bank account has been abused.  Explain the situation and find out what you have to do to submit your affidavit through them.  Some banks and credit card companies have varying policies on how to submit an affidavit.

-Finally you have to get your identity theft affidavit notarized by a public notary.  Usually your post office can help you find a certified notary public in your area.  Finding a certified person is absolutely paramount to filing your claim correctly.  Then attach photocopies of your drivers license and the copies of the police report you originally filed for your id theft claim.  Now your affidavit is complete, and you’ve taken a huge step to reclaiming your identity.