Question

Which of the following plans of action would you recommend to a person that has been victimized by an identity thief?

A.
1. Contact your state police department.
2. File a complaint with the U.S. Fraud Department.
3. Contact all three credit bureaus and ask to cancel your credit reports.
4. Cancel all of your credit cards.

B.
1. Secure all financial documents in a safety deposit box.
2. Close all financial accounts.
3. Contact all three credit bureaus.
4. File a report at your local police department.

C.
1. Contact the fraud division of all three credit bureaus.
2. Contact your credit card companies.
3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
4. Contact your local police department and file a report.

D.
1.Close your bank account.
2. File a complaint with at least one credit bureau.
3. File a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
4. Contact your credit card companies.

Answer 1

C.

Reason: It contains the key recommended steps — contact the fraud divisions of the three credit bureaus (ask for a fraud alert or credit freeze and obtain copies of your reports), notify your credit card companies/other creditors about the fraud, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (IdentityTheft.gov) and get an Identity Theft Affidavit, and file a police report with your local department. These actions preserve evidence, stop further fraudulent charges, and begin the formal dispute/remediation process.