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IDENTITY THEFT RECOVERY 101 Greetings all, ​ Firstly, if you're reading this post because you have been a victim of identity theft, then I am truly sorry. As someone who has had their identity stolen multiple times, I understand the frustration and anxiety that it causes. I've put this information together as a guide to assist you with finding out what to do next in the event that you have had your identity stolen, as well as some tips to ensure it doesn't happen again. Remember to document EVERYTHING. Save every letter or email you get. Take screenshots when applicable of any potential evidence. Write down every case number or confirmation number given to you by the authorities/credit bureaus. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* CONTAINMENT \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*The first step is to prevent any further usage of your identity. To do this, follow the steps below. **1.) FREEZE your credit immediately.** \-- A credit freeze is designed to ensure no further lines of credit or accounts can be opened with your information. A credit freeze will remain in place until YOU decide to unfreeze your credit. I believe there was a recent change made during 2020 which eliminated the fees associated with freezing and unfreezing your credit, so it SHOULD be free. Once your credit is frozen, the 3 bureaus will give you a special PIN that is only provided ONCE. Ensure you save this pin for when you are ready to unfreeze your credit. (\*NOTE: This PIN may also have been removed from the process as of 2020). Freezing your credit DOES NOT interfere with your credit score, and your financial behavior can still cause your Credit Score to go up or down. The freeze also does not remediate any accounts that may have been opened already, but it will prevent the thief from opening any further accounts.(**Opinion:** Even if your identity hasn't been stolen, or confirmed stolen, there is no harm in freezing your credit. You will just need to remember to unfreeze it whenever you are ready to apply for a loan,

IDENTITY THEFT RECOVERY 101 Greetings all, ​ Firstly, if you're reading this post because you have been a victim of identity theft, then I am truly sorry. As someone who has had their identity stolen multiple times, I understand the frustration and anxiety that it causes. I've put this information together as a guide to assist you with finding out what to do next in the event that you have had your identity stolen, as well as some tips to ensure it doesn't happen again. Remember to document EVERYTHING. Save every letter or email you get. Take screenshots when applicable of any potential evidence. Write down every case number or confirmation number given to you by the authorities/credit bureaus. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* CONTAINMENT \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*The first step is to prevent any further usage of your identity. To do this, follow the steps below. **1.) FREEZE your credit immediately.** \-- A credit freeze is designed to ensure no further lines of credit or accounts can be opened with your information. A credit freeze will remain in place until YOU decide to unfreeze your credit. I believe there was a recent change made during 2020 which eliminated the fees associated with freezing and unfreezing your credit, so it SHOULD be free. Once your credit is frozen, the 3 bureaus will give you a special PIN that is only provided ONCE. Ensure you save this pin for when you are ready to unfreeze your credit. (\*NOTE: This PIN may also have been removed from the process as of 2020). Freezing your credit DOES NOT interfere with your credit score, and your financial behavior can still cause your Credit Score to go up or down. The freeze also does not remediate any accounts that may have been opened already, but it will prevent the thief from opening any further accounts.(**Opinion:** Even if your identity hasn't been stolen, or confirmed stolen, there is no harm in freezing your credit. You will just need to remember to unfreeze it whenever you are ready to apply for a loan,