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Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke

Brody Powell

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Identity theft is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on anyone. But for stroke survivors, who may already be struggling with the physical and cognitive effects of their stroke, the trauma of identity theft can be particularly profound.

Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke

by Debra Meyerson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3783 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages

Stroke can cause a range of symptoms, including paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, speech difficulties, and memory loss. These symptoms can make it difficult for stroke survivors to recognize and protect themselves from identity theft.

The Unique Challenges of Identity Theft for Stroke Survivors

In addition to the general challenges faced by all victims of identity theft, stroke survivors may face additional challenges:

Physical limitations: Stroke survivors may have difficulty moving or speaking, making it difficult to report identity theft or take steps to protect themselves.
Cognitive impairment: Stroke survivors may have difficulty remembering important information, such as their Social Security number or credit card numbers. This can make it difficult to provide accurate information to creditors or law enforcement.
Emotional trauma: Stroke survivors may already be struggling with the emotional effects of their stroke. Identity theft can add to this trauma, leaving them feeling vulnerable and violated.

Tips for Recovery and Rebuilding

If you are a stroke survivor who has been a victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to recover and rebuild:

Report the identity theft to the proper authorities. This includes filing a police report and reporting the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Contact your creditors and banks to inform them of the identity theft. Ask them to freeze your credit and issue new account numbers.
Monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year at annualcreditreport.com.
File a complaint with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will help you create a personalized plan for recovery and provide you with resources and support.

Identity theft can be a devastating experience for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for stroke survivors. By understanding the unique challenges faced by stroke survivors, and by taking steps to recover and rebuild, you can regain control of your identity and move on with your life.

Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke

by Debra Meyerson

4.8 out of 5