Identity theft victims are those people that loose their credit score and rating simply because someone has stolen their identity and run up their bills. If you are victim of Identity Theft you are well-aware how difficult it can be to get back on your feet again and restoring your good name and credit. Identity Theft victims will have to go through a series of steps to repair their credit and identity.

Once the identity theft victim has made contact with the 3 credit bureaus they often put a fraud Alert on your credit report, which is supposed to be a protection to you, but the truth is it is a 'mistake' since it labels the victim.

If you go to apply for a mortgage, loan, refinance or credit card it is likely you will receive a rejection in the mail.  Creditors are not sure who is applying at that point and do not want to get involved in your credit situation until everything has been sorted out.

So, is there a solution for Identity Theft victims and how can they repair the credit? First, it is important to avoid Identity Theft by protecting your Social Security Card, Driver License and other important information about yourself.  Never give this information out or leave it where it can be viewed or copied by those with ill intent.

However, if you are already in the credit bureaus labeled under the Fraud Alert, then you may find yourself wanting to give up. Identities are stolen in many ways. The Internet is swarming with predators waiting to mess up someone else's life. People may stand over your shoulder peeking down at you while you are keying in your PIN number at the bank. You might have been in a relationship and the person decides he⁄she owns you and when you break up that person takes your identity.

There are several ways that your Identity can be stolen. The solution is then protecting your identity with shields that no one can break through. If you are a victim of Identity Theft then your identity needs to be protected more so than ever. This sounds crazy since someone already has your ID. You will need to stay alert to the activities that affect your credit report.

It is important that you keep updated copies of your reports at all time. If you notice activity that is not yours, immediately dispute the claims against you. Be sure to file a police report since you will need these reports to show the 3 bureaus and others that your identity has been stolen or compromised. Once you receive the reports be sure to send copies to each credit bureau so that the companies can get you on record.

The companies are going to put up a fraud Alert once the copies are evaluated. Here is where you need to stay alert. Instead of fraud Alerts, the companies can put up a FREEZE on your accounts. A Freeze gives you the options that Fraud Alerts will not. For example, if you go to a bank and apply for a loan with a fraud Alert on your accounts, almost certainly you will be turned down.

However, if the banks see that you have a FREEZE on your accounts, they will investigate and possibly give you the loan or at least have dialog with you so that you can explain your situation in detail to them. A freeze means that someone has affected your life by stealing your identity, while fraud means that someone has committed a criminal act on your account, and that someone could very well be you.

You will also need to report any checks that you suspect were stolen. Monitor your banking account at all times to make sure that no out of place activities are going on. It is important that you alert your utility providers and anyone that you have a credit relationship with that you have open accounts with. If you have credit cards report them immediately to get replacement cards with new account #s.

You may even want to cancel your current bank account and open a new account. This will offer a level of protection against check fraud. It is also important that you contact your Social Security Office to find out if your Social Security has been used out of place.

If actions have been listed on your card, be sure to let the Social Security Administrators know and file a report with them immediately. Making others aware of what is going on in your life, can spare you additional headaches that may creep up months or even years later when you thought everything had been resolved.

You are already a victim of criminal behaviors, why not take the steps to repair your credit and restore your life now. Finally, you will need to contact Washington D.C. or the Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commissions and let them know you are a victim of Identity Theft.

Additional Articles that will greatly assist you with your credit and obtaining financing.

Building Credit and Stopping Creditors
Credit Repair System
Understanding Credit Files to Repair Credit
Creditors Calling its Time to Repair your Credit
Building Credit Preventing Repair

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