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1.
Report the theft with each of the three major credit bureaus- each one
has a fraud center. Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file. Also request that no
new lines of credit be granted without first seeking your approval.
You'll be asked to record the incident(s) in writing, and include copies
of any documents to be used as evidence.
Each major credit
bureau:
Equifax
Consumer Fraud Division
PO BOX 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374-0250
800.525.6285
Experian
Experian's National Consumer Assistance
PO BOX 1017
Allen, TX 75013
888.397.3742
Transunion
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
PO BOX 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
800.680.7289
2. Close accounts
that have been fraudulently accessed or opened. To do so, contact the
security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial
institutions. If you open any new accounts, put complex passwords
on them.
3. File a report
with local police, or the police where the identity theft took place. Be
sure to get a copy of the report or report number in case the bank,
credit card company, or others need proof of the crime.
4. File with the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC provides an ID Theft Affidavit
that can help you organize and accurately record your complaint. All
three major credit bureaus and most of the large lenders accept this
form as notice from you.
For more
information on how to deal with credit-related ID Theft, check out FTC's
website - link is located above. |
