Identity Theft
Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.
If you think you have become a victim of identity theft, follow these steps.
Contact Other Creditors
Contact your other creditors, including credit card and phone companies, banks, and other lenders, to notify them of potential fraud. Close any accounts that have been breached and reopen them with new account numbers and passwords. Do not use your Social Security Number as a username or password.
File a Police Report
Contact your local police department if you suspect that your personal information was stolen. A police report may lend credibility to your case when dealing with creditors, who may require proof of criminal activity.
Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Call the FTC hotline at 1-877-ID THEFT (1-877-438-4338) to speak with a trained identity theft counselor.
Contact the Major Credit Bureaus
Contact the major credit bureaus and request they place a short or long-term "fraud alert" on your credit file. This alert requires creditors to verify your identity before opening any new accounts in your name or changing any existing accounts.
- Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or www.equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com
Contact any other agencies as appropriate.
- Postal Inspection Service: If you believe your mail was stolen or redirected, notify your local post office.
- Social Security Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number for fraudulent purposes, call the hotline.
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): If you believe someone is trying to get a driver's license or identification card using your name and information, contact your local DMV.
Review all Accounts
Since identity theft takes time to resolve, you should continue to review all charges and transactions appearing on account statements and online. Immediately report any discrepancies.
