Identity Theft: What To Do

Immediately call the fraud units of the three major credit reporting companies – Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union. Request that a “fraud alert” be placed on your account. Add a victim’s statement to your report, i.e. “My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at (telephone number) to verify all applications.” Ask how long the fraud alert will be posted on your account, and how to extend it if necessary. Be aware that these measures may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened by the imposter.

Request, in writing, to receive a free copy of your credit report every few months to monitor it. Request the names and phone numbers of credit grantors with whom fraudulent accounts have been opened. Ask that all inquiries that have been generated due to the fraudulent access be removed. Request the credit bureaus to notify those who have received your credit report in the last six months (two years for employers) to alert them of the disputed and erroneous information. 

Immediately contact, by phone and in writing, all creditors with whom accounts were created or used fraudulently. Get replacement cards with
new account numbers for existing accounts that you suspect were used fraudulently. Request that old accounts be processed as “account closed at consumer’s request." This is better than “card lost or stolen” which can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss. Monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new activity.

Fraud Affidavit: Banks and credit grantors may ask you to complete a notarized fraud affidavit, which could become costly. The law does not require you to provide a notarized affidavit to creditors. A written statement and supporting documentation should be enough. A police report or complaint number may also be necessary. 

Report the crime to your local law enforcement agency. Provide as much documentation as possible. Get a copy of your police report and keep the report number handy to give to creditors and others who require verification. Credit card companies and banks may require you to show the report to verify the crime.

Violations of the Identity Theft Protection Act may be prosecuted in any one of the following jurisdictions:

• The jurisdiction in which the offense occurred.
• The jurisdiction in which the information used to commit the violation was illegally used.
• The jurisdiction in which the victim resides. 

Call 1-877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338). Consumer complaints help make the FTC database a better resource for law enforcement officers. You may download the comprehensive guide “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft” from the FTC website. The guide helps consumers guard against and recover from identity theft.

https://www.identitytheft.gov