#Family identity theft how to#

Identity theft becomes even more difficult to handle when the culprit is a romantic partner, adult child, or a close relative.

Notify the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) and put a fraud alert on your file. Family identity theft is a crime that involves a family member using your personal information for financial gain. Put a freeze on your credit so no one can open new accounts in your name.

#Family identity theft how to#

Our primary focus is educating consumers on how to monitor and safeguard their personal information, keeping it safe from identity thieves. If this awful occurrence happens to you, follow the steps below: 1. Technology and e-commerce enable thieves around the world to steal our identities and use them for financial gain or criminal activity. Identity theft and fraud are likely to be with us for the foreseeable future. We work with victims of identity theft, helping them take steps to reclaim their identity and restore their credit standing. The Bureau has taught consumers, businesses, and law enforcement agencies about identity theft and fraud prevention. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's Bureau of Consumer Protection works with Wisconsinites to educate them on how to protect their identities. In addition, businesses lose money, both in real dollars and in productivity, every time one of their customers becomes the victim of identity theft. Identity theft costs consumers millions of dollars in fraudulent charges each year, and can take years and cost thousands of dollars to recover from.īusinesses are also harmed by identity theft, costing them not only money – but sometimes their reputation as well. become victims each year.īy acquiring just a small amount of information, identity thieves can destroy a person’s financial reputation and cause endless stress on a person and their family. Identity theft continues to be the fastest growing crime in the country.