Emotional Impact

If you have experienced Identity Theft, you are a victim of a crime. No matter what type of crime is perpertrated against you, there are emotional repercussions that affect everyone involved. These repercussions have the potential to harm your health, emotional well-being, and relationships with others.

Most people arenot prepared to be a victim because no one expects something like this will happen to them. The assumption is that “Crime is something that happens to other people!"

Some victims of crime feel as if their privacy and sense of personal security have been taken from them. They may think there was something they could have done to prevent the incident.

You cannot be blamed when someone else breaks the law. It is not your fault.

An emotion is a reaction to a situation. Victims often experience a myriad of emotions ranging from denial and hopelessness to rage, endless questioning and vulnerability. You may experience some or all of these feelings in the days and weeks after the incident as they vary from person to person.

Please review the list below; even though it is not all inclusive it may help you to recognize if you are experiencing any of these emotions. These feelings are natural and normal, and will usually pass in time.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms:

Guilt                                Self-blame                         Shame

Disbelief                          Anger                                Depression

Sense of Betrayal             Sense of Violation              Loss of Trust

Social Indifference(others minimize the effect) 

Social Stigma (victim-blaming)

Isolation (suffer in silence)

Stress Related Symptoms:

Digestive Problems                         Headaches

Skin Problems                               High Blood Pressure

Weight Gain or Loss                      Inability to Concentrate

Chest Pain, Irregular Heartbeat       Muscle Tension and Pain

Sense of Being Overwhelmed         Fatigue/Sleep Disturbances

Difficulty Making Decisions             Asthma or Shortness of Breath

Easily Irritated and "On Edge"

Financial Losses:

Financial Loss due to missed work

Fear of Financial Loss

Now that you recognize what you are experiencing is normal, the next step is to regain control. Do not let the identity thief victimize you again by allowing them to have power over you. You must consciously choose not to allow yourself to react in a way that is not in your best interest.

Regain Control:

1. Get organized, take control: Make a list or calendar of things to do and keep a journal of everyone you contact
2. Be kind to yourself: a massage, long bath, long walk, plenty of sleep, etc.
3. Exercise to relieve stress
4. Don't forget the rest of your life - Avoid letting resolving your situation become your life.
5. Accentuate the positive: you are learning new things, about the judicial system, etc. and gaining assertiveness and conflict management skills.  
6. Appreciate the value of a support team. Enroll in CCCSSA Identity Theft Services or Educational Workshop, get involved in community volunteer policing programs; or seek the help of a professional counselor.

Information obtained from the US Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime; Us Department of Health and Human Services, Tips  for Survivors;  Identity Theft Resource Center, Fact Sheet #108, and York County Virginia, Victim Assistance Program and Fraud Victim Advocacy Organization (www.Fraudaid.com).

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You cannot be blamed when someone else breaks the law.

It is not your fault.

Don't let your emotions lead your actions.

Make decisions based on principles, not feelings.