Fraud Tip of the Day - November 12

Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft

If you suspect your identity has been stolen you must take swift action to defend yourself. Immediate action can minimize the damage done by an identity thief. The information on this page includes who to contact and a few of the steps you should take the moment you think your identity has been stolen and your credit rating put in peril.

What to do if your identity is stolen:

• Put a "Fraud Alert" on your credit history. When creditors discover fraud alerts on credit reports, they are required to comply with specific measures before new accounts are opened in your name or changes are made to the accounts you already have. To have a 90-day fraud alert placed on your credit report, contact one of the three credit reporting companies using their toll-free number. A call to one company will get a fraud alert placed on all three company reports:
  • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742)
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
• Get your credit report for free. Placing a fraud alert on your report gives you the right to free credit reports. Get a copy from each credit reporting company and look them over carefully. Be on the lookout for any irregularities. Unusual activity includes credit checks you never authorized, credit or bank accounts you never opened and charges for things you didn't purchase. If you find any unusual activity, report it to both the lending institution and all three credit reporting companies.
  
  
• Close compromised accounts. Close any bank or credit union accounts that have been compromised or created illegally or without your knowledge.
  
  
  • Call each company where an account was opened or changed without your authorization and ask for their security or fraud department. Tell them your sad story then follow up and send them everything you have in writing. Include copies of documents supporting your case. Keep a copy of everything for your own records!
  • Go to ftc.gov/idtheft and fill out the ID Theft Affidavit.
  • Verify that accounts fraudulently opend in your name have been closed and that you aren't responsible for any debts incurred.
• File a report with the police. Make sure you report the crime to your local law enforcement officials and file a report with them. Creditors will want proof a crime occurred.
  
  
• Report the crime to the FTC. Reporting crime is a lot of work but it helps the good guys bring the bad guys to justice.
  • ftc.gov/idtheft
  • Phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
  • TTY: 1-866-653-4261
  • US Mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse
    Federal Trade Commission,
    Washington, DC 20580

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