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