Recovering from identity theft can be a time-consuming process. Exactly how long it takes depends on the type of identity theft that took place and how quickly it was discovered. The good news is that if you’re an Allstate Identity Protection member, our specialists are available 24/7 to assist.
If you’re facing identity theft, know that it is possible to overcome the issue—but it may take some time.
Just ask Vera Tolmachoff, Senior Restoration Manager at Allstate Identity Protection. "It can take days, months, or even years to untangle identity theft," says Tolmachoff.
This is because each case of identity theft is unique, and the recovery timeline can depend on many factors, including the type of identity theft that took place.
Fortunately, if your identity has already been compromised, there are three key factors that can help determine how long the path to recovery might take: how your information was used, how long the theft went undetected, and whether you're navigating the process on your own or with expert help.
How was your personal data used?
A big part of recovering from identity theft is determining how your stolen information was used. The answers to a few key questions can help paint a clearer picture of the damage and how long it may take to resolve.
Did the thief successfully open new accounts or take out loans in your name? If so, how many? The more accounts involved, the more time it may take to correct the issue.
Was your data used to access existing financial accounts or make unauthorized purchases? Recovering compromised bank accounts, credit cards, or payment apps may require working with multiple financial institutions.
Was your Social Security number used for tax, employment, or government benefits fraud? These cases can involve additional agencies and documentation, which may extend the recovery process.
Did the identity thief use your personal information to obtain medical care? When someone receives healthcare under your name, their medical history and records can become mixed with yours, creating challenges that may take time to untangle.
Was your information discovered on the dark web? Stolen data can be bought, sold, and reused multiple times, increasing the risk of additional fraud.
How long did the identity theft go undetected?
When identity theft is undetected for long periods of time, more damage can be done—which can make the correction process lengthy as well.
In many cases, identity thieves will continue to exploit a victim’s identity until they no longer can. And the longer the theft goes on, the harder it can be to untangle.
For example, one Allstate Identity Protection member didn't discover a fraudulent collections account until they tried to co-sign an apartment for their child. Another learned their information had been reused across multiple accounts over time.
By the time identity theft is uncovered, resolving the damage may involve working with several organizations, disputing records, updating account information, and following up until everything is corrected.
This is one of the reasons identity thieves often target children. In addition to generally having clean credit, minors don’t usually apply for credit until they come of age, or when they’re ready to purchase a car, so the crime can stay under the radar for years.
Are you restoring your identity yourself?
If you suspect you’re a victim of identity theft, it is important to take steps to address the issue: report the crime to the appropriate authorities, alert the three credit bureaus as well as any companies or financial institutions where fraud may have occurred, and close any fraudulent accounts as soon as possible.
The process can be time-consuming and difficult to navigate. But having experts by your side can make a big difference in how long it takes to overcome the problem.
If you’re not already enrolled in one of our plans, consider looking into an identity protection service with full-service restoration, like ours. No matter how long it takes to resolve your case, if you’re a member and you’re hit with identity theft, we’ll be with you from start to finish.
