ID Theft and ID Fraud - General Advice
If you think you are a victim of ID Theft, it's best to check your credit reports from all 3 national credit bureaus -Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. On your credit report, you may spot unusual activity or inquiries not authorized by you.
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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If you are sure you are a victim of ID Fraud, do these three steps as soon as possible:
1. Contact the fraud departments of each of the 3 national credit bureaus, and ask to have a victim's statement inserted in your credit report alerting creditors of the problem. (see credit bureau list and phone numbers below)
2. Contact your creditors to close any accounts fraudulently opened or accessed.
3. File a police report and get a copy of the police report, just in case you need this information later on for creditors and the like.
A lost or stolen wallet or purse is also a gold mine of information for the identity thief. Make sure you take these important steps to protect your identity:
Identity thieves use your credit card and checking accounts to establish new accounts in your name. That could create an identity crisis that can take months to detect, and even longer to unravel.
If your wallet is lost or stolen, the Federal Trade Commission suggests that you:
- File a report with the police immediately. Get a copy in case your bank, credit card company or insurance company needs proof of the crime.
- Cancel each credit and charge card. Get new cards with new account numbers.
- Report missing cards to the major credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax Consumer Fraud Assistance Dept. (800) 525-6285
- TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Dept. (800) 680-7289
- Experian Consumer Fraud Assistance Dept. (888) 397-3742)
- Ask them to flag your accounts and add a "victim's statement" to your file.
- Report the loss to your bank. Cancel checking and savings accounts and open new ones. Stop payments on outstanding checks.
- Get a new ATM card, account number and PIN or password.
- Call your utilities, including your phone company. Tell them that someone may try to get new service using your identification.
- Report your missing driver’s license to the department of motor vehicles. Get a new number that’s not your social security number.
- Change the locks on your home and car if your keys were taken. Don't give an identity thief access to even more personal property and information.
