IDENTITY THEFT

IDENTITY THEFT

IDENTITY THEFT

IDENTITY THEFT

 

If someone is using your indentifying information (name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license number, etc.) to obtain goods, services, credit and/or open fraudulent bank accounts . . .

 

you are a victim of identity theft!

 

This guide provides victims of identity theft with the major resources to contact.  Victims themselves have the ability to assist greatly with resolving their case.  It is important to act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage.

 

In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, times, names and phone numbers.  Confirm conversations in writing.  Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested).  Keep copies of all letters, documents, and police reports.

 

Once you discover you are a victim of identity theft you should notify the following:

 

1.                  Credit Bureaus:  Immediately call and write the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies – Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.  Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers.  The phone numbers are provided at the end of this brochure.  Ask that your account be flagged.  Also, add a victim’s statement to your report, up to 100 words, such as, “My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently.  Contact me at (your own telephone number) to verify all applications.”  Insist that the flag is put at the front of your credit report.  Be sure to ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your account and how you can extend it if necessary.  Be aware that these measures may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened by the imposter.

 

Ask the credit bureaus in writing to provide you with a free copy of your credit report every few months so you can monitor it yourself.

 

Ask the credit bureaus for names and phone numbers of credit grantors with whom fraudulent accounts have been opened.  Ask the credit bureaus to remove the inquires that have been generated due to the fraudulent access.  You may also ask the credit bureaus to notify those who have received your credit report in the last six months in order to alert them to the disputed and erroneous information (two years from employers).

 

 

2.                  Creditors: Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently by phone and in writing.  Get replacement cards with new account numbers for your accounts that have been used fraudulently.  Ask that old accounts be processed as “account closed at consumer’s request.” This is better than “card lost or stolen.”  When this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.

 

Carefully monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity.  Report it immediately to credit grantors.

 

Creditors requirement to report fraud.  You may be asked by banks and credit grantors to fill out and notarize fraud affidavits, which could become costly.  The law does not require that a notarized affidavit be provided to creditors.  A written statement and supporting documentation should be enough (unless the creditor offers to pay for the notary).

 

3.                  Law Enforcement: Report the crime to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the case.  Give them as much documented evidence as possible.  Get a copy of your police report (if one is taken). Keep the report number of your police report handy and give it to creditors and others who require verification of your case.  Credit card companies and banks may require you to show the report to verify the case.

 

 

Stolen Checks/ATM and Credit Cards:  If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies.  Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of.  Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers.  Give the bank a secret password for your account (not your mother’s maiden name).

 

Other Thefts of Identity:  Imposters may use your social security or driver’s license number if issued a traffic citation or arrested.  If you are wrongly accused of a crime or civil judgement has been entered in your name without cause, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft.  If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the court where the case was filed and notify your local police.  Be careful who you give your social security number to. Many places may ask for it when it is not necessary.  Many colleges and universities use social security numbers as student ID numbers. Students should request that a different student ID number be issued to them as posting of grades often includes student ID numbers which can easily be written down and used.

 

Elder Financial Abuse:  There are many people who target senior citizens and their money. Telemarking fraud, bank examiner schemes, faulty home repairmen, etc.  Extra care should be taken to protect your assets and identity.  Mail should not be left at a residential mailbox for pickup by the carrier.  Thieves take the mail and change the information so they can cash them. Personal information should be shredded before placing it in the trash.  Thieves go “dumpster diving” to obtain information to open accounts in your name.  Obtain a copy of your credit report regularly to make sure someone is not using your name to open accounts. If you need help with your finances, use a trusted family member or friend.

 

Resources:

 

§         Equifax:  PO Box 105069, Atlanta, GA  30348

Report Fraud:  Write to above address giving your social security number, date of birth, and copy of utility bill or driver’s license to verify current address.

Call (800) 685-1111 for more information

 

§         Experian (formerly TRW):  PO Box 1017, Allen, TX  75013

Report Fraud or Order a Credit Report: (888) 397-3742

To Opt Out of Pre-Approved offers of credit and marketing lists call (888) 567-8688

 

§         Trans Union:  PO Box 390, Springfield, PA  19064

Report Fraud: (800) 680-7289

Consumer Relations: (800) 916-8800 and write to

Fraud Victim Assistance Division, PO Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Order a Credit Report: (888) 680-7293

 

Remember, if you have been the victim of credit fraud or denied credit you are entitled to a free credit report.  If you a victim of fraud, be sure to ask the credit bureaus for free copies.  They will provide them.

 

§         Social Security Administration:

Report Fraud: (800) 269-0271

Write: SSA Fraud Hotline, PO Box 17768, Baltimore, MD  21235

Fax: (410) 597-0118

Email: oig.hotline@ssa.gov

 

To remove your name from mail and phone lists:

 

§         Direct Marketing Association: 

Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY  11735

Telephone Preference Service, PO Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY  11735

 

 

To report fraudulent use of your checks:

 

§         Check Rite: (800) 766-2748

§         CrossCheck: (800) 843-0760

§         Chexsystems: (800) 428-9623

§         Equifax: (800) 437-5120

§         International Check Svcs: (800) 526-5380

§         SCAN: (800) 262-7771

§         Telecheck: (800) 710-9898

 

Other Useful Resources:

 

§         Federal Government Information Center: (800) 688-9889 for help in obtaining government agency telephone numbers.

§         Federal Trade Commission: (877) FTC-HELP for help in any type of consumer complaint – specifically identity theft and referrals to local law enforcement.  FTC Consumer’s Page: www.consumer.gov/idtheft