3.5 Most Common Mistakes After Identity Theft Occurs

I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice. I am a victim and a survivor of identify theft.

Identity theft is a horrible crime and it occurs more often than you know. But the real tragedy is that no one cares.

The credit card companies, the stores and the collection people could care less. All they want is the money and they don't care who it comes from. As a matter of fact they hope you will pay because if you prove that it was a theft they get nothing.

So, the collector's will pressure you to pay to save your credit rating or protect your good name. If that doesn't work they will accuse you of filing a false report to avoid paying for all the stuff you bought. They have one goal and that is to collect the money.

Even if you have shown that it was a forgery or identity theft, collectors will still try to collect from you. They might even send your case to more than one collector in hopes that somewhere along the way you will pay the bill.

If bad checks are involved, collectors might even threaten to press charges and have you arrested. They might even do it, but if you didn't write the check don't give-in to their threats. If you get arrested, you will more than likely be released on a PR bond and assigned a court date. Go home a prepare your case.

So, realize that no one cares about your plight and you must avoid making the following 3 mistakes if want to win your battles.

Mistake #1 - Don't Close Your Checking Account

As soon as you know that your identity has been stolen close your checking account and remove your money. Then immediately go to your bank and let them know what has happened. Request that you get your money returned and if at all possible get the bank to prepare an affidavit of forgery for you.

Mistake #2 - Don't File a Crime Report

You must obtain a crime report and a case number. Your crime report becomes a major part of your arsenal for dealing with the bill collectors. Remember the thieves are only a small part of the problem.

Mistake #3 - Don't Call the Credit Bureaus

You need to call all three credit bureaus and file a fraud alert that will flag your account for 90 days. If someone tries to obtain credit in your name you will be called and alerted. However, you will not be able to obtain on the spot credit due to the alert. I is very important to call the credit bureaus.

Mistake #3.5 - Pay the Bills

The biggest mistake you can make is to pay the bogus bills. When you pay the bills you are suggesting that you owe the money giving the collectors information to use against you. And they will use it against you.

Don't believe most of what collectors tell you. They will lie to get you to send them money. If you are innocent then hold to your claim. Don't pay the bills.

The best way to deal with identity theft is to prevent identity theft. Be very careful with your financial information and take precautions to keep it out of the hands of others.

I am not an identity theft attorney and this is not legal advice. I am a victim and a survivor of identify theft.