IDENTITY THEFT INVESTIGATIONS

Identity theft is a pervasive and increasingly sophisticated crime that can have devastating financial and personal consequences for victims. WAPI specializes in conducting thorough and effective Identity Theft Investigations to assist individuals, businesses, and organizations in resolving cases of identity theft, uncovering perpetrators, and mitigating the impact of fraudulent activities.

why choose us

1. Investigative Approach
Our team of experienced investigators employs a multifaceted approach to identity theft investigations, utilizing a combination of advanced investigative techniques and collaboration with law enforcement agencies and financial institutions. We work diligently to gather evidence to support legal proceedings and recovery efforts.

2. Evidence Collection
Gathering evidence is crucial in identity theft investigations to support legal proceedings, prosecute perpetrators, and recover stolen assets. Our investigators meticulously collect and document evidence of identity theft, including financial records, correspondence, witness statements, and digital evidence in court proceedings.

3. Victim Advocacy and Support
We understand the emotional and financial toll that identity theft can take on victims and their families. Our team provides compassionate support and advocacy to assist victims in navigating the complexities of identity theft investigations, accessing resources and support services, and recovering from the impact of fraudulent activities.

4. Confidentiality and Integrity
We handle all identity theft investigations with the utmost confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism. Our team respects the privacy rights of victims and ensures that sensitive information is handled securely and discreetly throughout the investigative process.

If you think your identity has been stolen, here's what to do now:

1. Contact the fraud departments of all three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

2. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

3. File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

4. File a complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps us learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that we can better assist you.
5. Contact us to start investigating now.

Signs of Identity Theft: What to Watch For

Unfamiliar Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements. If you spot any transactions or accounts you didn’t open or authorize, it could be a sign of identity theft. This involves someone using your personal information to access financial resources or establish new lines of credit.

Unexpected Credit Score Drops: Regularly check your credit reports for unusual drops in your credit score. Sudden decreases may indicate that someone has taken out loans or credit cards in your name and isn’t making payments.

Missing Mail: If you notice that your bills or financial statements have stopped arriving, it could be a sign of identity theft. Thieves may redirect your mail to gain access to sensitive information.

Rejection of Legitimate Transactions: Unexpected denials of credit card transactions or loan applications, despite having a good credit history, might signify that an identity thief has damaged your financial reputation.

Social Media Clues: Identity thieves often gather information from your social media profiles. Be cautious of unfamiliar friend requests or messages from seemingly legitimate contacts, as these could be attempts to extract personal details.

IRS Notices: Receiving tax-related notices for the income you didn’t earn or reports of multiple tax returns filed in your name may indicate that someone is using your identity for tax fraud.

Medical Bills for Services You Didn’t Receive: If you start receiving medical bills for treatments or services you didn’t undergo, it could be a sign that someone is using your identity to receive healthcare.

Unsolicited Account Statements: Receiving statements for financial accounts you didn’t open is a red flag. Identity thieves may use your information to establish new accounts, and these statements might show up at your doorstep.

Employment Issues: If you’re contacted by employers or HR departments for jobs you didn’t apply for, someone may have used your identity to gain employment.

Notices of Criminal Activity: Any notices of criminal activity, such as arrest warrants or court appearances, that you’re unaware of could signal identity theft.

Effective methods for preventing identity theft

Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords consisting of a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A strong password is harder for hackers to guess.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA wherever possible. It requires users to provide two or more verification factors to access an account, adding an extra layer of security.
Secure Wi-Fi: Ensure your home Wi-Fi network is password-protected and uses encryption. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
Regular Software Updates: Keep your operating system, applications, and antivirus software up to date. Updates often contain security patches.
Phishing Awareness: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages requesting personal information. Verify the sender’s identity before sharing any data.
Secure Personal Information: Store sensitive documents and information in a secure place, both physically and digitally.
Shred Documents: Shred financial statements, credit card offers, and other documents containing personal information before disposing of them.
Monitor Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for suspicious activity. This can help detect identity theft early.
Use a VPN: When browsing online, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, making it more challenging for hackers to intercept data.
Secure Mail: Retrieve mail promptly and use a locked mailbox to prevent theft of sensitive information.
Limit Sharing on Social Media: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social networks, as it can be used for identity theft.
Check Bank Statements: Review bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Freeze Your Credit: Consider freezing your credit with credit reporting agencies to prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports.
Use Secure Websites: Look for “https://” in the website’s URL before entering personal information. This indicates a secure connection.
Be Skeptical of Cold Calls: Verify the identity of anyone who calls claiming to be from a trusted organization before sharing information.
Protect Personal Devices: Use PINs, passwords, or biometric authentication on smartphones and tablets to safeguard personal information.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest identity theft techniques and scams to recognize potential threats.
Dispose of Devices Securely: Before disposing of old computers or mobile devices, ensure all data is securely wiped or destroyed.
Secure Your Wallet: Keep your wallet or purse in a safe place when in public, and only carry essential identification and cards.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect identity theft, promptly report it to the appropriate authorities and credit bureaus.

What to Do If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

Becoming a victim of identity theft is a deeply personal violation that can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed. It’s essential to take immediate action to regain control and seek justice. Begin promptly reporting any fraudulent activity to relevant agencies and authorities, such as local law enforcement. However, to navigate the complex process effectively and receive the personal attention your case deserves, enlisting the services of a private investigator is crucial. Unlike law enforcement, private investigators can provide specialized support tailored to your situation. They possess the expertise to uncover the identity of the perpetrator and the methods used in the theft.

Once this critical information is obtained, you can pursue legal avenues for punitive damages or file a criminal complaint. This helps you recover lost funds and provides a sense of closure and peace of mind. Selecting an experienced, licensed private investigator is paramount. WAPI specialize in identity theft cases and possess the skills, equipment, and resources needed to initiate a comprehensive investigation. We can follow a paper trail or trace digital data to identify the individual(s) responsible. While the emotional toll of identity theft can be overwhelming, WAPI investigators works efficiently to help you find a resolution and prevent future theft attempts. Collaboration with a professional investigator is your best defense against repeated identity theft and a step toward reclaiming your life.