Identity Theft Victim's Resource Center
Fraud Departments of the 3 national credit bureaus:
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Equifax Consumer Fraud Assistance Dept. (800) 525-6285
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TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Dept. (800) 680-7289
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Experian Consumer Fraud Assistance Dept. (888) 397-3742
Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number:
Under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration may issue you a new SSN - at your request - if, after trying to resolve the problems brought on by criminal identity theft, you continue to experience problems. Consider this option carefully. A new SSN may not resolve your identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new SSN does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old SSN with those from your new SSN. Even when the old credit information is not associated with your new SSN, the absence of any credit history under your new SSN may make it more difficult for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new SSN wouldn't also be misused by an criminal identity thief. The Social Security Administration's web site is http://www.ssa.gov/.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
The FTC collects complaints about criminal identity theft from
consumers who have been victimized. Although the FTC does not
have the authority to bring criminal cases, the Commission can
help victims of identity theft by providing information to assist
them in resolving the financial and other problems that can result
from this crime. The FTC also refers victim complaints to other
appropriate government agencies and private organizations for
further action.
If you've been a victim of identity theft, file a complaint with
the FTC by contacting the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline by telephone:
toll-free 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338); TDD: 202-326-2502; by mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or online: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Fair Credit Reporting Act:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the Federal law that applies to most credit reporting issues, including the rights of consumers under law. Most states have state laws similar to the Federal law. A copy of the FCRA is available online at http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fcra.htm
Identity Theft Affidavit:
The Federal Trade Commission has developed the Identity Theft Affidavit. If you are disputing fraudulent debts and accounts opened by an identity thief, the ID Theft Affidavit now simplifies the process. Instead of completing different forms, you can use the ID Theft Affidavit to alert companies where a new account was opened in your name. The company can then investigate the fraud and decide the outcome of your claim. The form is available at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/affidavit.pdf
Identity Theft Assistance Businesses
My ID Fix Identity Theft Prevention and Assistance Resource Center. We aid identity theft victims in reducing the reported 175 hours of work required to clear their name, down to just a couple of hours. We also help in locating the perpetrators.
Review your Credit Report Today! Privacy advocates advise consumers to protect themselves from identity theft and related crimes, by checking their credit reports twice a year, shredding personal documents before throwing them away and cleansing wallets of old receipts and printed social security numbers.
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