Personal Cybersecurity Toolkit
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What is it?
An example of how to provide a copy of your government-issued ID as part of your identity verification package.
Why is it important?
Most credit bureaus and institutions require a copy of your ID when processing requests for freezes, disputes, or fraud alerts.
Reminder:
Always black out non-essential details before sending (e.g., license number) and include it securely with your letters.
What is it?
A filled sample of the FTC’s official identity theft affidavit.
Why is it important?
Acts as a guide for correctly filling the real report at IdentityTheft.gov, often required for dispute resolution.
What is it?
A visual example of a completed police report related to identity theft.
Why is it important?
Helps users understand what details to include when filing a report and how to fill the forms accurately.
What is it?
A sample showing what constitutes valid proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement).
Why is it important?
Many institutions require a proof of address when processing identity theft claims, credit disputes, or issuing government ID replacements.
Tips:
Acceptable documents include:
What is it?
A letter you send to credit bureaus to request a fraud alert on your file.
Why is it important?
This ensures creditors take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name.
More Info:
What is it?
A letter to dispute fraudulent or incorrect information in your ChexSystems banking report.
Why is it important?
Banks often consult ChexSystems before allowing new accounts. Correcting errors here can restore your ability to bank freely.
More Info:
What is it?
A customizable letter to formally dispute inaccuracies on your credit report with credit bureaus.
Why is it important?
It helps remove false entries from your credit file, which can otherwise lower your credit score and affect financial opportunities.
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What is it?
A letter to notify your bank of fraudulent activity and request corrective action like freezing or closing affected accounts.
Why is it important?
Prompt notification to banks can prevent further losses and initiates their fraud protocol to investigate and resolve issues.
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What is it?
An affidavit template used to file a police report about identity theft or related fraud.
Why is it important?
Having a police report on file strengthens your claim of identity theft and helps trigger additional legal protections, like account closures or disputes.
More Info:
What is it?
This is a pre-written letter you can send to credit bureaus to request a freeze on your credit file. A credit freeze helps prevent unauthorized access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
Why is it important?
A credit freeze is one of the most effective ways to stop identity theft in its tracks. If you’ve lost personal information, had your identity stolen, or simply want to take proactive control of your credit, this letter helps you initiate the freeze process quickly and correctly.
Where can users find more information?
You can learn more about credit freezes from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the major credit bureaus.
Relevant Links: