We are very sorry you find yourself needing to recover your identity. Right about now you could use some inspirational entertainment on becoming a survivor. Nobody at BTR-Security thinks having your id misused is funny, so the closet we will come to "entertaining" you is to give you encouragement to persevere (survive); enjoy Survivor's 1993 live performance of "Eye of the Tiger".
We have resources that you may find very helpful to assist you through the process. Depending on the severity of the problem we can help you choose the level of aid you may require. Our resources range from inexpensive self-help guides to professional restoration services for those who do not have a service in place prior to the incident(s).
You will find below FREE assistance complied for your immediate review.
Here is a link to the Federal Trade Commission brochure that most of the following information was sourced: Its a big file so it may take time to download)
http://www.treas.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution /cip/pdf/ftcidtheftbrochure.pdf
IF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN LOST OR STOLEN
If you’ve lost personal information or identification, or if it has been stolen from you, taking certain steps quickly can minimize the potential for identity theft.
• Financial accounts: Close accounts, like credit cards and bank accounts, immediately. When you open new accounts, place passwords on them. Avoid using your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN) or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
• Social Security number: Call the toll-free fraud number of any of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies and place an initial fraud alert on your credit reports.
• Driver’s
license/other government-issued identification: Contact the agency that issued
the license or other identification document. Follow its procedures to cancel
the document and to get a replacement. Ask the agency to flag your file so that
no one else can get a license or any other identification document from them in your name.
Once you’ve taken these precautions, watch for signs that
your information is being misused. If your information has been misused, file a
report about the theft with the police, and file a complaint with the Federal
Trade Commission, as well. If another crime was committed – for example, if
your purse or wallet was stolen or your house or car was broken into – report
it to the police immediately.
To file a report with the Federal Trade Commission:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
THE IDENTITY THEFT REPORT
An identity theft report may have two parts:
Part One is a copy of a report filed with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, like your local police department, your State Attorney General, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the FTC, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. There is no federal law requiring a federal agency to take a report about identity theft; however, some state laws require local police departments to take reports. When you file a report, provide as much information as you can about the crime, including anything you know about the dates of the identity theft, the fraudulent accounts opened, and the alleged identity thief.
Note: Knowingly submitting false information could subject you to criminal prosecution for perjury.
Part Two of an identity theft report depends on the policies of the consumer reporting company and the information provider (the business that sent the information to the consumer reporting company). That is, they may ask you to provide information or documentation in addition to that included in the law enforcement report which is reasonably intended to verify your identity theft. They must make their request within 15 days of receiving your law enforcement report, or, if you already obtained an extended fraud alert on your credit report, the date you submit your request to the credit reporting company for information blocking. The consumer reporting company and information provider then have 15 more days to work with you to make sure your identity theft report contains everything they need. They are entitled to take five days to review any information you give them. For example, if you give them information 11 days after they request it, they do not have to make a final decision until 16 days after they asked you for that information. If you give them any information after the 15-day deadline, they can reject your identity theft report as incomplete; you will have to resubmit your identity theft report with the correct information.
You may find that most federal and state agencies, and some local police departments, offer only “automated” reports – a report that does not require a face-to-face meeting with a law enforcement officer. Automated reports may be submitted online, or by telephone or mail. If you have a choice, do not use an automated report. The reason? It’s more difficult for the consumer reporting company or information provider to verify the information. Unless you are asking a consumer reporting company to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, you probably will have to provide additional information or documentation when you use an automated report.
You should file an FTC ID Theft Affidavit by clicking on this link.
TIPS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR CASE
Accurate and complete records will help you to resolve your identity theft case more quickly.
• Have a plan when you contact a company. Don’t assume that the person you talk to will give you all the information or help you need. Prepare a list of questions to ask the representative, as well as information about your identity theft. Don’t end the call until you’re sure you understand everything you’ve been told. If you need more help, ask to speak to a supervisor.
• Write down the name of everyone you talk to, what he or
she tells you, and the date the conversation occurred. Use this down loadable form from the FTC: Chart Your Course.
• Follow up in writing with all contacts you’ve made on the phone or in person. Use certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company or organization received and when.
• Keep copies of all correspondence or forms you send.
• Keep the originals of supporting documents, like police reports and letters to and from creditors; send copies only.
• Set up a filing system for easy access to your paperwork
• Keep old files even if you believe your case is closed. Once resolved, most cases stay resolved, but problems can crop up.
While dealing with problems resulting from identity theft can be time-consuming and frustrating, most victims can resolve their cases by being assertive, organized, and knowledgeable about their legal rights. Some laws require you to notify companies within specific time periods. Don’t delay in contacting any companies to deal with these problems, and ask for supervisors if you need more help than you’re getting.
State Laws
Many states have passed laws making identity theft a crime or providing help in recovery from identity theft; others are considering such legislation. Where specific criminal identity theft laws do not exist, the practices may be prohibited under other laws. Contact your state Attorney General (for a list of state offices, visit www.naag.org) or local consumer protection agency for laws related to identity theft, or visit ww.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Be sure and review the "More Recovery Links" page.