What to Keep for Your Identity Recovery Case
Identity theft cases are hard to overcome. The burden falls on the victims to prove their innocence, which is a task in itself. The consumer is responsible for gathering evidence, contacting creditors and filing police reports as well paying out the financial costs that come along with those steps. When you are creating your case for the court date, a notebook should be kept and contain valuable items that can prove your innocence. When creating your notebook, there are essential documents that every identity theft victim should have in it.
Police Report
The police report should be one of the first things ever placed in the notebook. When you first realize you are a victim of identity theft, you need to file a police report with your local department. To make the process of filing a police report easier, the FTC has their own report you can file known as the ID Theft Complaint Form. This form will have all of the information necessary to file your police report accurately. Keep track of your case number and ensure that if it changes you have accurate information in your notebook regarding such.
Proof of Fraud
Part of the identity theft recovery process is gathering documented proof of fraud. This can include copies of applications for credit, receipts, credit card receipts and other documents that were used to start and maintain the fraudulent accounts. These are provided to you by the creditors that hold the fraudulent accounts. If for any reason the creditors refuse to provide documented proof showing the legitimacy of the fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission immediately. It is warranted by Federal law that creditors show proof of a debt prior to collecting on it.
Credit Reports
In your notebook you should have copies of each credit report you pulled and highlight the fraudulent accounts/information from within them. Keep receipts or any payment slips for credit reports you had to pay for so that you can claim restitution for those costs later.
All Communication
Even if you speak to a creditor or other individual regarding the identity theft over the phone, you need to follow it up in writing. Write directly to the creditor and send it via certified mail. Keep copies of all originals and send the copy to the recipient.
Court Documents
If for any reason you already have documents regarding a court case for your identity theft, keep them in your notebook as well. These types of documents can include judgments, transcripts, probation documentation, etc.
Statements
You should always provide the court a written Victim Statement in regards to your identity theft case. If you are unsure what to write in your Victim Statement, consult our article regarding Victim Statements.