How to Get Results in Identity Theft Recovery
One of the biggest portions of identity theft recovery is communication. You have to speak to the creditors, the courts and the authorities in regards to your case. Speaking to these individuals you have to prove your innocence and more so get results in your favor. You do not have to be a skilled public speaker or even an attorney to get results, but you do have to keep a few things in mind. Here we discuss how to speak and how to get results from the individuals you talk to during your recovery.
The Consumer
You need to keep in mind that as far as the creditors know, you did the damage to these accounts yourself. After all, they were opened up in your name. Therefore when you speak to them you have to be calm, collected and stay honest. Write down your questions before calling and keep a detailed log of who you spoke to. Let them speak and do not interrupt them.
Strategize Your Approach
Recovering from identity theft can be complicated. Therefore before you hop on the phone to call anyone, think about what you are going to say, what you need to accomplish and write down any questions you need to ask prior to picking up the phone. Prioritize the goals of your phone call and ensure that your main priorities are met or resolved prior to moving onto the others.
It is important to realize that phone calls may not always go the way you planned. You may not get results right then and there and you need to have a back-up plan just in case. Determine what your bottom line is and listen to any possible resolutions or solutions the creditors come up with. Be sure that you are speaking to the actual decision makers for the creditors. First line call center employees are not people who can determine anything. Speak to fraud departments or supervisors if you want to ensure results.
Create Allies
It is important during the recovery process that you make allies with creditors. Yelling and blowing off steam at them will not create lasting ally relationships and can actually make the recovery process more difficult. Share only what the creditor needs in order to provide results. Develop a plan of action prior to actually speaking to any creditors to ensure that you will get results. When you ask questions, expect an answer. If you do not get one, then ask to speak to someone who can give you answers.
Even though you need to be forward and sometimes demanding, it is all in how you go about it. Be calm, be rational and be friendly. These creditors have their own agenda, just as you do. If both parties work reasonably with each other and keep it civil, the process goes a lot more smoothly.