In This Chapter

Rectifying financial identity theft is time consuming and can be very frustrating. But it’s far worse when your thief has committed other crimes in your name leaving you with a criminal record. Suddenly it’s not just creditors demanding money. Now you have warrants for your arrest or a conviction record to explain to potential employers. You have to prove your innocence to law enforcement and the courts.

A false criminal record can keep you from getting a job, renewing professional licenses, getting a security clearance if you work in the defense or intelligence industries, and, worst of all, can literally threaten your freedom. Your sham record could even show that you have served time in jail for a crime you never committed.

Obviously, you need to clear your criminal records, and this chapter will help you do that. Just be warned that you’ll need to become your own investigator and convince law enforcement to help you.