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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 reports. The alert tells creditors to
follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing
accounts. All three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial
90-day fraud alert; you only need to contact one of the companies to have this done:
- Equifax: 1.800.525.6285
- Experian: 1.888-EXPERIAN (397.3742)
- TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289
- Get your credit report for free. Placing a fraud alert entitles you 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 the accounts. Close any accounts that have been compromised or created
illegally or without your knowledge.
- Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without
your authorization. Follow up and send them something in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
Keep copies of all correspondence for yourself
- Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
- Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
- File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may request proof of the crime.
- Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
- Online ftc.gov/idtheft
- By phone: 1.877.ID-THEFT (438.4338)
or TTY, 1.866.653.4261
- By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
More Identity Theft Tips
Deter Identity Theft
Detect Identity Theft
Business Identity Theft Tips
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