If you‘re a victim of identity theft, take the following actions immediately:
Contact Banks and Creditors.
As soon as you‘ve learned of an unauthorized use of your identity, contact all your credit card issuers and banks where you have accounts.
- Close all accounts that have been used fraudulently.
- Ask for new account numbers for all other cards.
- Ask that the accounts you close be noted as "closed at customer request," rather than simply "card lost or stolen."
- Add or replace passwords to all accounts and monitor monthly statements closely, notifying the company of any unauthorized activity.
- Follow up all requests or conversations in writing.
Report the Crime to Your Local Police.
Identity fraud is a federal crime. After making your report ask the law enforcement agency for a copy of the police report and/or the report number, and information on how to reach the investigator assigned to your case. This will help you in disputing fraudulent credit card charges and entries.
Contact a Credit Company.
Immediately obtain your credit report from all three major credit companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you‘re a victim of identity fraud, federal law requires that each of the three credit report companies must, at your request, provide you with a free copy of your credit report. Ask any one of the three credit companies to flag your account - the other two will automatically be notified. Provide the credit company with a "victim‘s statement." A victim‘s statement is a very brief description of what has happened that will include your phone number so that all future transactions can be verified with you. The flagged alert will normally stay in place for 90 to 180 days, but it‘s advisable to extend the alert to seven years, which requires written notification from you.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC runs the ID Theft Hotline and Data Clearinghouse and serves as an advocate for identity fraud victims. As soon as you suspect that your identity has been used fraudulently, contact the FTC Hotline toll free at 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
