Get Started on Protecting Your Identity

Sometimes identity thieves are able to pilfer millions of dollars. Victims spend many hours and lots of money trying to secure their identities and accounts and to recover their good credit ratings, names and reputations. Some victims face serious emotional issues such as anxiety, paranoia and anger. Identity thieves may commit other crimes using their assumed identities. For example, victims of identity theft might find themselves the subject of an arrest warrant for a violent crime committed by the imposter. Other uses of stolen identity include immigration fraud and public benefits fraud.

An attorney knowledgeable in privacy law, identity fraud and labor law can advise you about your legal obligations to protect this information, both as a commercial entity and as an employer. Reputable business consultants can assist you in setting up internal systems and protections. If your employees conduct business in public places, be sure they are carefully trained not to allow written or verbal release of information. Do thorough background checks on potential employees. Government agencies such as the FTC and nonprofit organizations can also provide helpful guidance.

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) lays out the procedures for making corrections to your credit reports. Upon proper notification, both the credit bureau and the reporting company have certain obligations to correct your records. Detailed information is available on the FTC’s website or from an attorney.

If you discover you have been victimized, alert law enforcement immediately. You should also contact the entities affected such as financial institutions and credit card companies to alert them and to close affected accounts. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accepts online identity theft complaints at and makes the information available to domestic and international law enforcement. Request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit reports by contacting any one of the three main credit reporting agencies. An attorney can advise you about other legal remedies, such as possible lawsuits against identity thieves or third parties that did not keep your data private.