Credit Bureaus
Contact the fraud departments at each of the three credit bureaus.
Equifax:
(800) 525-6285
Experian:
(888) EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion:
(800) 680-7289
- Get all three agencies to flag the accounts with a "fraud
alert." Find out from each credit reporting agency how long the fraud
alert will remain on your report, and how to extend that time, if
needed. Ask that all creditors contact you at a phone number you
provide to verify all future applications.
- Add a "victim's statement" to the report; include your
name, state the problem, and provide a telephone number where you can
be reached.
- Have each credit bureau send you a copy of your report.
These reports will guide you in tracing where and when any fraud
occurred to your accounts.
- In a few months, order new copies of your reports to verify
your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent
activity has occurred. Unfortunately, identity thieves often strike the
same accounts again and again. Because of this, it is very important to
continue to monitor your credit reports very closely for a while after
the initial crime. Even with a "fraud alert," thieves may still find
ways to open new accounts. Ask the credit bureaus if they will supply
you with free reports every few months.
Credit Card Companies
If a thief has gained access to a credit card, contact the security
department of that credit card company.
- Close any affected accounts so that they're registered as
"closed at customer request."
- Get new account numbers, and protect the accounts with
passwords.
- Follow up with a letter documenting the date, the name of
the person who helped you, and what actions were taken.
Just because one card has been compromised, you may not want to close
all of your credit accounts, and you may want to hold on to some cards.
You may want to get counseling about this decision from a victim
assistance group. (Some useful nonprofit groups are listed below.)
Banks
Inform your bank if your wallet or purse was stolen or lost. Tell them
what bank account information, including account numbers, ATM cards, or
checks it contained.
- Cancel checking and savings accounts and open new ones.
- Stop payments on outstanding checks.
- Get a new ATM card, account number, and PIN or password.
Contact the Government
Authorities
It is also good to contact other authorities that specialize in
identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) runs the ID Theft
Hotline and the ID Theft Data Clearinghouse.
FTC Identity Theft Hot Line: (877) IDTHEFT (438-4338)
If mail service was used in the fraud, contact the U.S. Postal
Inspection Service. This agency is helpful if any fraudulent utility
bills or apartment leases show up on your credit report.
U.S.
Postal Inspectors: (800) 372-8347
