Victims of Identity Theft

If you are or suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, we suggest that you:

1.  Contact the law enforcement agency where you reside and file a report/complaint.  Provide copies of any account statements, canceled checks, or other documentation that is pertinent to the investigation.

2.  Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (1-877-IDTHEFT), (TTY:  1-866-653-4261) which acts as the nation’s clearinghouse for information related to identity theft crimes for assistance from trained counselors in resolving credit-related problems.  A complaint can be filed online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.  A victim may also write to: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC  20580.

3.  Cancel each credit and charge card and request new cards with new account numbers.  Call the security or fraud department of each company where you know or believe accounts have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.  Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents.  It is important that you notify credit card companies and banks in writing.  Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you can document what the company received and when.  Keep a file with copies of your correspondence and enclosures. 

4.  Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting agencies [Equifax (1-888-766-0008), Experian (1-888-397-3742), TransUnion (1-800-680-7289)] asking them to put a “fraud alert” on your account and add a victim’s statement requesting creditors to contact you before opening new accounts in your name.  Also acquire copies of your credit report from each agency.

5.  If bank accounts are involved, report the loss to each financial institution, cancel existing accounts, and open new ones with new account numbers.  If deemed necessary, place stop payments on outstanding checks and contact creditors to explain.

6.  If a driver’s license is involved, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles.

7.  If social security numbers are involved, contact the Social Security Administration to determine the accuracy and integrity of your account.

http://www.ssa.gov/oig/guidelin.htm

8.  Change door locks on house/apartment and vehicle(s) if there is any indication that keys have been copied or otherwise compromised.

9.  When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords.  Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, your telephone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.