Identity Theft Information
If you are or suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, we suggest that you:
1. Contact the law enforcement agency where you reside and file a report/complaint. Provide copies of any account statements, canceled checks, or other documentation that is pertinent to the investigation.
2. Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus. Have a fraud alert placed on your credit reports and monitor your credit. Placing a fraud alert puts creditors on notice that you have been a victim of fraud/identity theft.
EQUIFAX
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-800-525-6285
EXPERIAN
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
TRANSUNION
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
1-800-680-7289
3. Request a credit report. Each person is entitled to a FREE credit report through each of the three main bureaus per year.
4. If bank accounts are involved, report the loss to each financial institution, cancel existing accounts, and open new ones with new account numbers. If deemed necessary, place stop payments on outstanding checks and contact creditors to explain.
5. Cancel each credit and charge card, requesting new cards with new account numbers. Call the security or fraud department of each company where you know or believe accounts have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It is important that you notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file with copies of your correspondence and enclosures.
6. Prevent offers for new credit cards being mailed to you. To stop preapproved credit offers call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. This will reduce the risk of your information being available to open fraudulent accounts.
7. If a Driver’s License is involved contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles office.
8. If Social Security Numbers are involved contact the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
9. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-IDTHEFT,
(TTY:1-866-653-4261), or at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. A victim may also write to: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
Below are links with further information regarding Identity Theft: