What to do if you are a victim of Identity Theft

If you are a victim of identity theft, or suspect that your information has been misused, you must take immediate action to limit damage, making sure you document everything. Exactly which steps you should take depends on your circumstance and how your identity was misused, however the three basic steps listed below are appropriate in almost every case.

 

 

1.      Contact the fraud department of each of the three major credit bureaus and tell them you're an identity theft victim.

 

Equifax 1-800-525-6285

Experian 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion 1-800-680-7289

 

Request a 'fraud alert' be placed in your file and a victim's statement asking that you be called before opening or changing any accounts.  This may pose a minor inconvenience, as you may not be able to get instant credit. Also, fraud alerts and victim statements are voluntary services and creditors do not have to consider them when granting credit.

 

At the same time request a copy of your report, it will be free since you have been a victim or suspect fraud.  Immediately check all three for accuracy and re-check them in a few months.  Promptly dispute in writing what is inaccurate.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes procedures for correcting mistakes.  To protect your rights under the law, you must contact both the credit bureau and the information provider (company).  It is best to send written correspondence, certified mail, return receipt.  To read more about the FCRA: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcra.htm

 

2.      Contact the specific company (credit card company, bank, utility company) and ask for someone in the fraud/security department.   Immediately close accounts that have been tampered with and open new accounts with new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and new passwords.  Make sure you follow up in writing, certified, return receipt.  This is especially important for credit cards since this is the procedure spelled out in the law under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) for resolving errors on credit billing statements, including charges you did not make.  Your letter must reach the creditor within 60 days after the first bill was mailed to you. For more information on the FCBA: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcb.htm

 

For New Unauthorized Accounts, the company may request you complete an affidavit.  Ask if the company accepts the ID Theft Affidavit form provided by the FTC.  You can download and print it at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/affidavit.pdf. 

 

3.      File a police report with your local police or in the place where the theft occurred.  Obtain and keep a copy in case the bank, creditor or others need it for proof.  Be persistent in obtaining this; it may be required to resolve your dispute.  If you cannot get a copy of your report, at least get the report number.  

 

In addition, report it to the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll free 1-877-IDTHEFT/1-877-438-4338 or online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.  Counselors will take your information and advise you on how to deal with potential problems.  Your information will become part of a database of consumer fraud information that is shared with other law enforcement agencies.

 

 

Checks:  Ask your bank to notify the check verification service with which it does business.  In addition to notifying the bank, contact the following major check verification companies to request that they notify retailers who use their databases not to accept your checks. 

Telecheck:  1-800-710-9898 or 927-0188

Certegy, Inc. (previously Equifax Check Systems):  1-800-437-5120

International Check Services:  1-800-631-9656

 

To find out if bad checks are being passed in your name, call:

SCAN:  1-800-262-7771

 

Social Security Numbers:  Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271.  Order a copy of your earnings report at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the accuracy of your earnings.

 

 

 

Please refer to the following websites for additional resources and information:

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