Despite the introduction and implementation of new cybersecurity laws, identity theft continues to be one of the largest online crimes. Every year hundreds of Internet users around the world experience one or more cases of identity theft. If you feel like your ID has been recently stolen and misused, here are 5 steps that all professional and expert security guards feel you need to take.

Step 1: block your card

The most common identity theft occurs when someone steals your credit card information and uses it. As soon as your card is stolen or misused, put a red flag on your credit report and notify your bank and credit lenders immediately. This prevents them from extending their credit limit.

To raise a red flag, you will need to notify all three credit rating agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian). This results in a 9-day fraud alert on your card. However, a better option would be to put a security freeze on your credit report.

The security freeze prevents the thief from using your credit card. Meanwhile, you can follow the steps to request another card. The advantage of the security freeze is that it allows the credit bureaus to temporarily “unfreeze” your file to legitimize the process of issuing a new credit card.

By placing a fraud alert on your credit report, you can claim a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit rating agencies. If you find anything fraudulent on your credit report, click on it in your online credit report. Although it is difficult to catch the culprit in this way, it gives you an idea of ​​where you have used the culprit to apply for credit on your behalf.

Step 2: call your bank

The next logical step is to call your bank and inform them of the theft. In case your checkbook has also been stolen, it should be reported to the bank as soon as possible.

Step 3: contact those affected directly

In addition to your bank, there are other institutions you can contact (such as lenders, your attorneys, and the mortgage loan agency). These institutions must be notified as soon as possible that your credit card has been stolen. This will allow them to relax their payment terms and can extend their credit period, if the need arises.

Step 4: Call the FTC

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a dedicated hotline to tackle all credit card-related identification theft. By submitting a report online or calling them, they will be able to guide you on what to do next. The benefit of calling the FTC is that they will provide you with individualized assistance, based on your particular case.

Step 5: call the police

Once you have notified all relevant parties, the last step is to file a police report. The local police must be aware of the theft. Your police report, along with the FTC identity theft affidavit, together make up for your identity theft report. This report will help you when you work with any credit reporting agency or other companies.