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| Identity Theft |
Identity Theft is when someone obtains a person’s identifying information, such as his or her name, address, and date
of birth, social security number or mother’s maiden name. Using this information illegally, an imposter can open new
credit card accounts, drain bank accounts, purchase automobiles, apply for loans, open utility services and on and on.
No matter how cautious you are, you cannot guarantee that a criminal will not obtain your information. The following
steps will tell you what the warning signs are, how to protect yourself and what to do if you become a victim and the
resources you will need.
BE PREPARED
If you do become a victim of Identity Theft, be prepared to spend a lot of time clearing your name. This process will
not happen over night. It may take weeks, months or in some cases years to clear up the mess.
This is why it is important that you monitor all your accounts and credit cards to detect if you are a victim .AND
immediately contact the agencies listed below for assistance.
WARNING SIGNS
Often, there are no warning signs that identity theft has occurred. However, some reasons for concern are:
- Your monthly credit card and bank statements suddenly stop arriving
- You are denied credit for no apparent reason
- You start getting bills from companies you do not recognize.
- Credit collection agencies try to collect on debts that do not belong to you.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Ask your bank, doctor’s office, other businesses and your employer how they use and protect your personal
information.
- Never carry your social security card, social security number, birth certificate or passport unless necessary.
- Do not put your address telephone number or drivers license number on a credit card sales receipt.
- Do not put your phone number or social security number on your personal checks.
- Do not give out identifying information out over the telephone, Internet or someone you do not know over your
cellular telephone.
- Shred all personal documents before placing them in the trash.
YOU CAN TAKE FURTHER STEPS
- Get a copy of your credit report each year.
- Keep your financial records out of sight. Burglars are just as interested in credit cards, bank accounts and
investment statements as they are in your televisions, jewelry and other valuable.
- Check your monthly credit card statements for charges you did not make. If monthly statements do not arrive in
the mail, call the credit card company immediately.
- Keep a list, in a safe place of all credit cards and bank account numbers, including the account numbers, phone
numbers and expiration dates. Only use your credit card on the Internet if it will be encrypted.
- Carry only the credit cards you plan to use.
- Do not use your mother’s maiden name as a password for accounts. Make one up.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU DO BECOME A VICTIM
If, despite your best efforts, you find that you have become a victim, DO ALL 6 (six) of the following immediately to
best insure your protection.
1 - RECORD KEEPING - In the process of resolving the theft of your identity, be sure to keep records of all
correspondences with the creditors and governmental agencies you contact. Include the date and name of contact. Follow
up all telephone contacts with a letter and keep a copy.
2 - CREDITORS - Notify all creditors and financial institutions, in writing and by phone, that your name and
accounts have been used without your permission If an existing account has been stolen, ask the creditor or bank to
issue you new cards, checks and account numbers. Carefully monitor the account activity on your statements. Report
fraudulent activity to the issuing company immediately. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCGA) is a federal law that
limits a customer’s responsibility for fraudulent charges to $50.00.
3 - LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT - immediately report the crime to your local law agency. Provide them with as much
documentation as possible. Make sure that the accounts are listed on the report. Also, get a copy of the report the
officer files. Credit card companies, banks and credit reporting agencies may require you to show a police report to
support your claim that a crime was committed.
4 - FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT - Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) The FCT collects
complaints about identity theft from consumers and stores them in a secure online database called the Consumer
Sentinel that is available to law enforcement agencies worldwide. The FTC provides information on ways to resolve
problems resulting from Identify Theft and refers individuals to various private and government agencies for further
action. The FTC ‘s address is:
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION CONSUMER
Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20580
1-877-IDTHEFT
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
5 - THE CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES - Contact the frauds units of ALL THREE credit reporting agencies; Equifax,
Experian and Trans Union. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report to help prevent new fraudulent
accounts from being opened. Keep track of when it expires so you can ask for another one if necessary. However, not
all credito9rs check your credit report before issuing a new account..
As an ID fraud victim, you are entitled to a free copy of your creditor report. Also, ask the agencies for a copy of
your credit report every three months one you have become a victim. This can help determine how many and which
accounts listed are fraudulent. You can also identify the existing accounts that have been stolen.
Equifax 1.800.525.6285 - http://www.equifax.com/
Experian 1.800.397.3742 - http://www.experian.com/
Trans Union 1.800.680.7289 - http://www.transunion.com/
To Opt-out of receiving pre-approved credit card offers, call 1.888.5- opt-out.
6 - UTILITIES - Ask utility companies (local, long distance telephone service providers, gas, electric and
water companies) to watch out for anyone ordering services in your name. If someone has ordered services in your name,
cancel those accounts. If you are having trouble with falsified accounts, contact your state Public Utility
Commission.
Additional Resources Online:
Federal Trade Commission Consumer - http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
US Postal Inspection Service - http://www.usps.gov/website/depart/inspect
United States Secret Service - http://www.ustreas.gov/usss
Social Security Administration (SSA) - http://www.ssa.gov/
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