 |
|
- Report the theft with each of the three major credit bureaus (they all have fraud centers). Ask that a “fraud alert” be placed on your file. Also request that no new lines of credit be granted without first seeking your approval. You’ll be asked to record the incident(s) in writing, and include copies of any documents (e.g., a police report, correspondence with your bank or other creditors) to be used as evidence.
Here's contact information for each major credit bureau:
Equifax
Consumer Fraud Division
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374-0250
(800) 525-6285
Experian
Experian’s National Consumer Assistance
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
TransUnion
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
(800) 680-7289
- Close accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened. To do so, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions. If you open any new accounts, put passwords on them (and don’t use the obvious ones like your mother’s maiden name, your birthday, or your Social Security number.
- File a report with local police, or the police where the identity theft took place. Be sure to get a copy of the report (or report number) in case the bank, credit card company, or others need proof of the crime.
- File with the FTC. The FTC provides an ID Theft Affidavit that can help you organize and accurately record your complaint. All three major credit bureaus and most of the large lenders accept this form as notice from you. You can also call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at (877) ID-THEFT (438-4338) to report the theft.
For more information on how to deal with credit-related ID theft, check out the FTC's web site.
If the crime involves your Social Security number, call (800) 269-0271 or visit the Social Security Administration’s web site
|
|
Accounts
