Identity theft cases can become very complex. They can cover multiple jurisdictions with numerous instances of unauthorized and fraudulent use of your identity. There will probably be more conversations about your case than you can possibly remember. To become an effective, strong advocate for your case, it is essential to be organized from the very beginning.
Here is the do-your-self guide for a person who is very focused and has lots of time on their hands.
Maintain an official case log in a bound or ledger type book or a dated log on your computer with the chronology of events and details.
Start at the beginning with the first contact, letter or call as an identity theft victim and keep going from there. If using a computer make sure your anti-virus and security systems are up-to-date. No post-its or scraps of paper which will get lost. Taping them into your dated log is a good practice.
Keep track of each person you talk to and the info you used to get in touch with them. Detail what they said, any follow-up needed from that call and the date that follow-up should take place.
Whenever possible ask for written confirmation of a discussion. If they refuse, mail a “Confirmation of Discussion” to that person asking if the information is correct. If it is incorrect they should contact you. If there is no response, the assumption should be made that it is correct. Mail this by return receipt requested so you have a paper trail.
Every month or so write a 1/2 page summary of your case. This is a good method to organize your thoughts and track progress in general.
Keep a log of what you receive by mail, who sent it, and what steps you took that day with that piece of mail or the phone call.
Telephone records: Start a separate telephone and address book so you can find numbers quickly. This information should however also be included in the official case log. The last few pages of the log can act as a directory, working from back to front as the information grows.
Are you having fun yet or do you have a headache just reading this information? If so, too bad because you're not done yet... there's more.
Keep a log of every penny you spend, when it occurred, what it was used for. Attach receipts to the sheets of paper in your log, explaining what it was for. These receipts can be photocopied for later use in court cases if restitution is allowed is allowed by the judge.
Track phone calls, postage, mileage, legal assistance, notarizing, and court costs for documentation. Time lost from work, including vacation time used on your case is also considered an expense. Any self-help materials (i.e., books, an organizer) or pay for assistance (i.e., babysitting, accountant, or an attorney), might also be considered by the courts for restitution.
Document the time you spend working on your case.
Did you see a doctor because of emotional distress or physical ailments? Save those bills, record the time you took to see the doctor, and travel expenses. The judge will decide consider if these costs would apply to restitution.
Did you get arrested because of the imposter’s actions, have to post bail, or lose time from work because of an arrest? The judge has the discretion to consider these costs for restitution.
On top of this it is recommended that you attend all court hearings from the arraignment on. Take notes. Who was the judge? Who was the DA that day? What was said by the DA, the defense attorney, the defendant, and the judge? What is the next court date? What will occur then? Ask questions of the DA after your case is heard if you aren’t certain about what happened or what will happen next.
Applications, credit slips, credit cards, and physical proof of the fraud: Keep everything you receive by mail that relates to your case or may relate to your case, even if you don’t understand how important it is at the time.
If you choose the above path as your course of action be prepared to do it on your own without a guide through the maze of reestablishing your good credit and name.
HOWEVER, there is another way for those of us who do not have loads of time and already have enough stress to deal with, Identity Theft Shield.
Identity Theft Shield is a preventative plan which protects you before the identity theft takes place. It is offered through Pre-Paid Legal services for $9.95 per month. Since you will probably need good legal help also, the Life Events Legal Plan for $26 makes a good complete package of protection for individuals, families, small business and groups.
Note the word preventative meaning be protected, just in case, just like medical and auto insurance. Identity Theft Shield offers total restoration of your identity to its condition before the violations took place.
