Theft of
Identification can happen, even if you are careful about not giving out
your personal information, such as your
SSN. If you suspect that you are a victim
of
ID Theft, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation.
1) First, contact the fraud departments of each of the 3 main credit bureaus
and report that your identity has been stolen. Ask that a "fraud alert"
be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval.
Equifax (www.equifax.com):
Order Credit Report: 1-800-685-1111
Report Fraud: 1-800-525-6285
Address:
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA
30374-0241
Experian (www.experian.com):
Order Credit Report: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Report Fraud: 1-888-EXPERIAN
Address:
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX
75013
Trans Union (www.tuc.com)
Order Credit Report: 1-800-916-8800
Report Fraud: 1-800-680-7289
Address:
760 Sproul Road
P.O. Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064-0390
2) For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact
the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions.
Close these accounts. Put passwords on any new accounts you open.
3) File a report with your local police or the police where the identity theft
took place. Get a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company,
or others need proof of the crime later on.
4) You also need to contact the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and report the
ID Theft.
By phone:
Toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)
TDD: 202-326-2502
By mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Online: https://rn.ftc.gov/dod/widtpubl$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU03
Sources:
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.html