Identity Theft And Your Rights.

There are endless sufferings for the victim of identity theft. He is subjected to emotional and financial distress. He loses his sense of security. It takes years for him to set right his financial records and recover the money withdrawn from his account without his knowledge.

Obviously it is important that you take all precautions to prevent the theft.

Assume that in spite of all your precautions, you fall a victim to identity theft. Do not lose hope. Everything is not lost. You have still chances of recovering at least a part of the money swindled, if not full.

The “Consumer Protection Act” in your country will come to your help. In fact it has been formed in the interest of the innocent people subjected to the crime. In accordance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, the victim has various rights.

The act includes several provisions that will make it much more difficult for thieves to access someone’s personal and financial information.

There are certain procedures involved. At the outset, you must report the matter without any delay to the police or security. Then inform the banks, financial institutions, credit card companies etc. If you delay, then nobody can come to your help.

Important provisions of the ac:

1. Notification of Security Breaches: Government departments, businesses establishments etc possessing your personal data must inform you if your information is grabbed without your permission.

2. Freezing Access to Your Credit Report: Enables you to place a security freeze on your credit report so that the thief has no chance to disturb your account and money.
3. Protecting Social Security Numbers: The sale and display of your Social Security numbers by government departments and business establishments will be curbed, unless you permit, thus preventing the thieves from gaining access to your personal details.
4. Disposal of Records. The government departments and business organizations must take steps to destroy all your personal records which are not required any more.

5. Declaration of Innocence after ID Theft: Once a security breach has taken place, the act permits to file a police report, put a petition to court and to proclaim your innocence.
6. Safeguarding Personal Information: The act says that the agencies collecting personal information from an individual, such as Driver's License Numbers or Social Security Numbers, must safeguard the security and privacy of the individual’s particulars.