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What To Do If You Become a Victim of Identity Theft
Jun 08, 2004
So you've already become a victim of identity fraud. What now? Recovering from identity theft can be a long and difficult process, but the sooner you take action the better. We can tell you where to start.
- First, notify the fraud divisions of the three credit reporting agencies that you have been a victim of identity theft. Ask them to place a "fraud alert" on your file, and require that creditors get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name.
Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experian: 888-397-3742
Trans Union: 800-680-7289
- Notify your local police department and file a report. Keep a copy of the report in case your creditors require proof of the crime.
- Call the Identity Theft Toll-Free Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). This is the main center for reporting incidents of identity theft within the federal government.
- Close any accounts that have been fraudulently opened in your name. Follow up with these creditors in writing. If you open new accounts in the future, place passwords on the accounts for added security.
- If an identity thief has accessed your bank accounts, checking account or ATM card, close the accounts immediately. Insist on password-only access when you open future accounts. Stop payment if your checks have been stolen or misused. If your ATM card has been lost, stolen or otherwise compromised, cancel the card and get another with a new PIN.
- If an identity thief has stolen your mail for access to new credit cards, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers and tax information or falsified change-of-address forms, notify your local postal inspector.
- If it appears that someone has used your SSN when applying for a job, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify that your reported earnings are accurate and that your name is reported correctly.
- Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles if you suspect that your name or SSN is being used by an identity thief to get a driver's license. If your state uses your SSN as your driver's license number, ask if you can substitute another number.
- Contact all three major credit reporting agencies and request copies of your credit reports. Review your reports very carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. Order new copies of your reports after 2-3 months to verify your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
- Keep records of all contacts with dates, names and phone numbers of all people and businesses you talked to.
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