112th Precinct Community Council

identity theft information

what to do

IDENTITY THEFT:

If someone has stolen your identity, the Federal Trade Commission recommends that you take the following actions immediately.

First, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Tell them to flag your file with a fraud alert including a statement that creditors should get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name.

At the same time ask the credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports. Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if it is inaccurate because of fraud. Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized charges made to your existing accounts. In a few months, order new copies of your reports to verify your corrections and changes and to make sure no new fraudulent activities have occurred.

Contact Phone Numbers for the Fraud Department of the three major credit companies:
Equifax 1 800 525-6285 to report the fraud
Experian 1 888 EXPERIAN
Trans Union 1 800 680-7289

Second, contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department, and follow up in writing. Following up with a letter is one of the procedures spelled out in the Fair Credit Billing Act for resolving errors on credit billing statements, including charges that you have not made.

Contact the FTC 1 877 idtheft (1 877 438-4338) and file a complaint