If It Happens to You

One of the most frightening and overwhelming types of fraud is identity theft. If you've been or think you've been a victim of identity theft, there is a proven process in place that can help you resolve your problem and help you protect yourself from further harm.

If you think you're a victim of identity theft, it's important to act quickly to minimize your losses.

Follow these steps to minimize the damage and stop the thief:

Step 1: Call for free, confidential counseling

If you are a victim of identity theft, you can get help now through a unique partnership with the consumer network Call For Action. Victims of identity theft can receive access to free, confidential counseling by calling 1-866-ID-HOTLINE (1-866-434-6854). This important hotline is staffed by trained counselors who are ready to walk you step-by-step through the process of getting your identity back. You can also go to Call for Action's Web site to request assistance.

Step 2: Contact credit bureaus

Immediately place a "fraud alert" on your credit reports with a toll-free call to one of the three national credit bureaus (see below for contact information). Fraud alerts can stop an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. They also ensure you will be contacted before any new account is opened or an existing account is changed.

Note that one call to any of the three credit bureaus will be enough to place your fraud alert—the company you call is required to contact the other two. Within twenty-four hours, all three of the bureaus will be on alert.

When placing a fraud alert, be sure to have the following information available to prove your identity:

• Name
• Social Security number
• Address

You may be required to provide personal information as requested.

In addition to placing fraud alerts, the bureaus will:

• Opt you out from all pre-approved offers of credit for up to five years.
• Provide a free copy of your credit reports. This can help you identify any new accounts that may have been opened. Pay particular attention to the section of the report that lists inquiries from new companies. Contact these companies immediately and have them remove any pending or new accounts from their system.

Equifax
www.equifax.com
800-525-6285 (Fraud Hotline)
800-685-1111 (Report Order)
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374

Experian
www.experian.com
888-397-3742 (Fraud Hotline)
888-397-3742 (Report Order)
P.O. Box 9556
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
www.transunion.com
800-680-7289 (Fraud Hotline)
800-916-8800 (Report Order)
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634

Step 3: File a police report

Your report should be filed with your local police or the police where the identity theft took place.

Keep a copy of the report or the report number as proof of the crime. It can help you deal with creditors and file Identity Theft Reports.

Step 4: Contact creditors' fraud departments

You should close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened without your permission.

Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor and describe your identity theft problem. Follow up with a letter or affidavit—be sure to include copies (not originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing.

Take advantage of the Federal Trade Commision's ID Theft Affidavit (PDF, 46k), a standard form that helps simplify the identity theft reporting process. Victims can use it to report to different organizations, such as the three major credit bureaus and banks or creditors—anywhere an account has been opened under the victim's name. This is very important for credit card issuers, since the consumer protection law requires cardholders to submit disputes in writing.

It's also a good idea to send all correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested and keep a file of all your letters and enclosures.

View the list of Financial Institutions' Victim Contact Information.

Step 5: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC handles complaints from victims of identity theft, provides information to those victims, and refers complaints to major credit reporting and law enforcement agencies. The FTC can also refer your complaint to other government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate companies for violations of laws the agency enforces.

To file a complaint, fill out the online complaint form found at the FTC Web site.