Victims of Identity Theft
Having your identity stolen can be a scary and disarming experience. If you have been one of the victims of identity theft you can take charge today by following the steps outlined below.
- Download the FTC’s comprehensive guide for victims of identity theft - includes the ID Theft Affidavit.
- Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
- The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts.
- As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts.
- Once the alert is placed, you will be able to order a free copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus.
- Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or
opened fraudulently.
Use the ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts. - File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
- File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps them learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that they can better assist you.
- Replace Social Security Card if it has been lost or stolen.
The three major credit bureaus
Equifax
Equifax
Report fraud-
Write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Call: (800) 525-6285
TDD: (800) 255-0056
www.equifax.com
Experian
Experian
Report fraud-
Write: P.O. Box 9532 Allen, TX 75013
Call: (888) 397-3742
www.experian.com
TransUnion
TransUnion
Report fraud-
Write: P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Call: (800) 680-7289
TDD: (877) 553-7803
www.transunion.com
Free credit reports are available to all U.S. citizens beginning in December 2004. Each person is allowed to obtain one free annual credit report from each credit agency.
Credit reports are always free if you have been denied credit, think you are a victim of id theft or financial fraud or if you are unemployed and looking for employment.