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Identity
Theft
A
Guide For Victims
This information provides a listing of the major resources to contact in
the event that you believe you are the victim of identity theft. Unfortunately,
it becomes YOUR responsibility to resolve the problem. It is very important
to act quickly to minimize the damage.
Credit Bureaus
Call the three credit reporting agencies immediately
• Experian 1-800-682-7654
• Equifax 1-800-685-1111
• Trans Union 1-800-916-8800
Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers. Also, you should add a
victim’s statement to your report, which states in writing that your
credit cards have been used fraudulently. Ask the credit bureaus for any
creditor names and phone numbers of new accounts that have been opened.
Creditors
Immediately contact all of your creditors with whom your name has been used
fraudulently. Contact both by telephone (for rapid action) and in writing
(for written verification). Ask for replacement cards with new account numbers,
and ask that the old accounts show as “closed at the consumer’s
request.”
Fraud Verification Requirements
Banks may ask you to fill out a fraud affidavit and ask that it be notarized.
If you are unable to provide them with a notarized affidavit, a written
statement and supporting documentation should be sufficient.
Law Enforcement
Any crime of this nature should be reported to the authorities immediately.
Be sure to keep a copy of the police report. Some credit card companies
require a police report to verify that the crime occurred.
Stolen Checks
Put stop payments on all outstanding checks that you are unsure of. Cancel
your checking and savings accounts and open new accounts with new account
numbers. Report any stolen checks to the check verification companies.
ATM Cards
If your ATM card has been stolen, report it immediately. Get a new card
and a new account number. When you receive the new card be sure to use a
new password. When choosing a password, try not to use any common numbers
or numbers that are easy to figure out, such as birthdates, phone number,
or social security number.
Drivers License Number
If someone is using your driver’s license number on bad checks, you
may have to change your driver’s license number. You must call the
Department of Motor Vehicles to see if another license was issued in your
name. You must also fill out the DMV complaint form to begin the fraud investigation
process. Send the complaint form and all supporting documents to your local
DMV investigation office.
Fraudulent Change of Address
Notify the local Postal Inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed
a change of your address with the post office or has used the mail to commit
credit or bank fraud. Find out where fraudulent credit cards were sent.
Notify the local postmaster for your address to forward all mail in your
name to your own address.
Phone Service
If your long distance calling card has been stolen or you discover fraudulent
charges on your bill, cancel the account and open a new account. Change
your password, and do not use a password that is easy to figure out such
as your birthday or social security number. |
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