Identity Theft

What if it happens to you?

Act immediately

If the worst happens and your identity is stolen, there are four things you should do right away. Since consumer rights fade quickly over time, the sooner you discover an identity theft incident and act on it, the better.

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports immediately. A fraud alert in your file lets potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity theft. It also entitles you to free copies of your credit reports so you can check them.
   • Place a fraud alert in your file by contacting just one of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. As soon as that company processes your fraud alert, it is required by law to notify the other two, which then also must place an alert on their versions of your report, too:
     • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
       P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374
     • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
       P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
     • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
       P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834
   • Watch your mailbox to make sure you receive three physical notices from each credit bureau. If you don't get a letter from any of the three within one week, follow these tips.
   • Keep in mind that an initial fraud alert expires after 90 days, so you must reset it every 90 days for as long as you want protection.
2. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay.
   • Ask the company for forms to dispute any transactions the identity thief has made.
   • Follow up in writing, with copies -- not originals -- of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing, but to retain originals of everything for your own records; so send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.
   • Use the ID Theft Affidavit to support your written statement.
   • Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged once you have resolved your identity theft issues with a company. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
3. File a police report. You can do this with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
   • Get a copy of the police report -- or at the very least, the number of the report. It can help you deal with creditors later who need proof of the crime.
   • Remember that if the police are reluctant to take your report, try another jurisdiction, like your state police. Keep trying.
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. By sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important information that can help law enforcement officials across the nation track down identity thieves and stop them. The FTC can refer victims' complaints to other government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate companies for violations of laws the agency enforces.
   • File a complaint using the online complaint form or by calling the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT. Or, write to Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.

Stay vigilant

After your identity theft issue has been resolved, keep a file of your correspondance, original documents, police report, letters from credit bureaus and credit card companies, etc. You'll need everything in writing if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.

Problems may crop up months or years later, so hang onto this file.

Finally, you will want to continue to regularly check your account statements each month and your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft. It may take a long time to sort everything out. Be patient and stay on guard.