INSIGHTS & IDEAS

What to do if you are victim of identity theft

  If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, you should immediately:  

·        Contact each of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert in your file. Request that all new creditors call you before opening up any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts.

o       Equifax:            1-800-525-6285

P. O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA

30374-0241

o       Experien:          1-888-397-3742

                                    P.O. Box 9532

                                    Allen, TX  75013

o       TransUnion:     1-800-680-7289

                                    Fraud Victim

                                    Assistance Division

                                    P. O. Box 6790

                                    Fullerton, CA

                                    92634

·         Contact the Fraud Department for each account that you believe has been tampered with or fraudulently opened.

·         File a local police report.  Request a copy of the police report for your file and to prove the crime if need be with your various creditors. 

To reduce your exposure to identity fraud, you should limit the number of credit cards that you have and periodically review your transactions for validity.  You may also obtain a free credit report annually by contacting either one of the three major credit bureaus.