Nearly everyday there are
news stories about identity theft. You've probably heard tips for
preventing it and may feel secure because you are cautious. However,
identity theft can happen even when you take precautions! So what do
you do if you discover you're a victim?
The Federal Trade Commission suggests four steps.
1.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. These alerts can prevent
a
thief from opening any more accounts in your name.
Contact any of the three national consumer reporting agencies to add
an alert to your credit report. They are required to contact the
others, so you don’t have to call all three. Once you place the
fraud alert, you are entitled to order free copies of your credit
reports. Review these carefully and often.
• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com;
P.O. Box 740241,
Atlanta, GA 30374.
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com;
P.O. Box 9532,
Allen, TX 75013.
• Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com;
Fraud Victim
Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA
92834-6790.
2. Close the
accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or
opened fraudulently. Call each company/business and speak with
someone in their fraud departments. It’s important to follow up in
writing,
especially with credit card companies and banks.
3. File a report
with your local police or the police in the community where the
identity theft took place. Get a copy of the report, or at least the
number of the report. This can be useful when dealing with creditors
who need proof of the crime. If the police are reluctant to take
your report, contact the MO Attorney General’s office at:
1-800-392-8222.
4. File a complaint
with the Federal Trade Commission. This can help law enforcement
officials track down identity thieves and stop them. Call the FTC’s
Identity Theft Hotline toll free: 1-877-438-4338.
Remember to keep
records and/or copies of all conversations and correspondence.
Source: "Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity
Theft," FTC
