Many professional counseling associations refer clients to free or reduced cost programs Local hospitals often maintain lists of both governmental and nonprofit assistance programs. Some sponsor clinics and support programs. Talk with the mental health department. Many businesses have an employee assistance program. You may want to talk with your Human Resources representative to find out about availability.
Many victims compare identity theft to rape, others to a cancer invading their lives.
Many of the symptoms and reactions to identity theft victimization parallel those of violent crime. The following information is for understanding and, perhaps, to reassure victims that what they are experiencing is not abnormal. The reaction to identity theft can run the full spectrum from mild to severe. Clearly, the complexity of the crime itself will also define the severity of the impact, as will any other traumatic events that may occur around that same time frame. Reactions include shock, disbelief, denial, inappropriate laughter, feeling defiled or dirty, shame or embarrassment.