Fraud Procedures

Someone has stolen your identity? Take IMMEDIATE action.

• Place a fraud alert
  • Contact ONE credit reporting company – they will contact the other two companies
  • Placing a fraud alert is free
  • Be sure credit reporting companies have your current contact information
  • Mark your calendar. Initial fraud alerts stay on your report for 90 days.  You may renew it after 90 days
  • Record all dates you made calls, sent letters, and keep copies of your letters
  • Consider placing a credit freeze on your credit file
• Order your credit reports
  • Placing an initial fraud alert entitles you to a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies
• Create an identity theft report
  • Submit a complaint to the FTC.  Printing a copy will provide an identity theft affidavit
  • File a police report about the identity theft.  Keep a copy of the report
  • The FTC affidavit and police report make up the identity theft report
• Contact your financial institution and any businesses where your accounts may have been compromised

Take control!  Here’s how to handle some common forms of identity theft.

• Stolen mail?  Report it to your local postal inspector
• Someone changed the billing address on an existing credit card account?  Close the account.  Request a password be given prior to any inquiries or changes can be made on the new account.  Avoid using easily available information.  Be creative with your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
• Lost or stolen Debit or ATM card?  Contact financial institution immediately
• Identity thief accessed your bank accounts?  Close the accounts immediately
• New phone or wireless service billed to your cellular account?   Immediately cancel the account, acquire new account, and use new PIN
• Someone using your social security number?  Contact Social Security Administration to verify your reported earnings and that your name is reported correctly
• Using your information to get a driver’s license? Contact Department of Motor Vehicles
• Sharing your personal information is your choice.  Consider the option to opt-out of sharing your information:
  • Write your own letter to opt-out of marketing lists or use Sample Opt-Out Letter
  • Opt-out of all pre-approved credit offers by calling 888.5.OPTOUT (888.567.8688)
  • You have the right to opt-out of having the DMV distribute your personal information. New federal law Drivers Protection Act

Direct Marketing Association (DMA) offers the Mail, Telephone and E-mail Preference Services, which allow you to opt-out of direct mail marketing, telemarketing and /or direct email marketing from many national companies. Visit Direct Marketing Association’s website

Stay alert!

• Order a copy of your credit report from the three credit bureaus every year to check on their accuracy
• One free credit report per credit reporting company, per year, using Annual Credit Report.com