Sometimes, an identity thief can strike even if you've been careful about keeping your personal information to yourself. If you suspect your personal information has been hijacked and misappropriated to commit fraud or theft, take action immediately! Keep a record of your conversations and correspondence.
Prevention Tips
Review your credit reports with the three major credit bureaus annually.
Know who you are giving your personal information to and how it will be used.
Minimize the amount of personal information you carry (i.e.: extra credit cards, social security card and checkbook)
Do not place outgoing mail in your mailbox, use a secure mailbox.
Always shred financial documents, receipts, or pre-approved credit offers before throwing them away.
Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three major credit reporting agencies to reduce the amount of personal information in circulation. For your convenience, I've listed the addresses below.
Never write down your passwords or PIN.
Protect your social security number. Only release it when necessary.
Secure personal information in your home so it's not readily accessible to others.
Never leave personal or financial information in your vehicle
Use passwords to protect your cellular, utility, credit card and bank accounts.
Do not send personal information through emails or online forms unless you confirm that you are dealing with a legitimately secure site.
Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) www.ftc.gov
Opt Out of prescreened credit card offers: 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688)
Your First 3 Steps if You Suspect Your Identity Has Been Compromised
1st: Contact Fraud Departments
Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Tell them that you are an identity theft victim. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file and a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name. At the same time, order copies of your credit reports from the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if it is inaccurate because of fraud and you request it in writing. Usually, calling one of the bureaus is sufficient. The first bureau will forward it to the others and you will get a copy of your credit report from each. Watch your mail for these items as they contain much information that could be used for fraud. If possible, have them delivered to a post office box.
2nd: Contact Creditors
Contact the creditors for any accounts tampered with or opened fraudulently. Creditors can include credit card companies, phone companies and other utilities, banks, and other lenders. Ask to speak with someone in each creditor's security or fraud department and follow up with a letter.
3rd: File a Report
File a report with your local police. Get a copy of the police report if the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime. Even if the police can't catch the identity thief in your case, having a copy of the police report can help you deal with creditors. In addition, if your checks have been stolen or misused, stop payment or close the account. Also contact the major check verification companies to request that they notify retailers using their databases not to accept these checks, or ask your bank to notify the check verification service with which it does business.Learn more on what you can do if you are a victim of identity theft.
Major Creditors
Equifax
Order your report at 800-685-1111 or write: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
To report fraud call 800-525-6285 and write: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Visit the Equifax Website
Experian
Order your report at 888-397-3742 or write: P.O. Box 949 Allen, TX 75013-0949
To report fraud call 888-397-3742 and write: P.O. Box 949 Allen, TX 75013-0949
Visit the Experian Website
Trans Union
Order your report at 800-916-8800 or write: P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022
To report fraud call 800-680-7289 and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92634
Visit the Trans Union Website
For further information visit the U.S. Government Website.
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