Steps To Take If You Are A Victim Of ID Theft

Place a “fraud alert” on your credit reports, and add a “victim’s statement” to your file requesting that creditors contact you before opening new accounts in your name. Do this by contacting one of three credit bureaus listed below.  They are required to report to each other if you call only one:

Equifax:  1-800-525-6285

Experian:  1-888-397-3742

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289

File a “miscellaneous Incidents” report at the police station and get a copy of the report. 

Close the accounts you know, or believe may, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.  Call and speak to someone in the security or fraud department.  Follow up in writing.  Many will ask for a copy of your police report.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.  This can be done online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft  or call 1-877-ID-THEFT

The FACT Act entitles you to one free credit report once every 12 months.  To get your FREE credit report visit www.annualcreditreport.com  or call 1-877-322-8228.

Other advertised “free” credit reports require you purchase credit protection or other products offered by the credit bureaus.  Do not contact the bureaus directly, they only provide free annual report through the Annual Credit Report Request Service listed above.