Senior Notes

Catherine Bradfield

Identity Theft Part 2

Last week we discussed ways to prevent Identity Theft but with reports increasing daily it is important to know what to do if you suspect that your identity has been compromised. While each situation is different the following information will help you to take the necessary steps to resolve the situation. 

What to do if you become a victim of identity theft

1.  Contact the local Police Department to file a report
Include any suspect or witness information and financial loss, and bring copies of all supporting data.

2.  Keep Records of all documents by setting up a folder to keep a detailed history of this crime.  
Keep a log of all your calls/contacts and make copies of all documents.

3.  Report the problem to the Federal Trade Commission
The FTC is the federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of identity theft. They help victims by providing information to help resolve financial and other problems that could result from identity theft. Their hotline telephone number is: (877) ID THEFT (438-4338)

4.  Call each of the three credit bureau fraud units by phone and in writing to inform them of the problem to report identity theft.
Ask to have a "Fraud Alert/Victim Impact" statement placed in your credit file asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts.

Equifax
PO Box 74021, Atlanta, Georgia 30374

·         To order your report, call (800) 685-1111

·         To report fraud, call (800) 525-6285

Experian
PO Box 949, Allen, Texas 75013-0949

·         To order your report, call (888) 397-3742

·         To report fraud, call (888) 397-3742

Trans Union
PO Box 390, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064-0390

·         To order your report, call (800) 916-8800

·         To report fraud, call (800) 680-7289

5.  Notify the US Postal Inspector if you believe your mail has been stolen or tampered with.
A listing of US Postal Inspection Service can be found in the front of your phone book under Federal Government as well as the number of your local Post Office

6.  If you have any checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the following companies:

• National Check Fraud Services - (843) 571-2143
• SCAN - (800) 262-7771
• TeleCheck - (800)710-9898 or 927-0188
• CheckRite - (800) 627-0041
• Equifax Check Systems - (800) 437-5120
• CrossCheck - (707) 586-0551
• International Check Services - (800) 526-5380

7.  Alert your banks to flag your accounts and contact you to confirm any unusual activity.  Also request a change of PIN and a new password.

8.  Contact Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline - (800) 269-0271.

9.  Contact the Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles to see if another driver’s license was issued in your name.
If so, request a new license number and fill out the DMV complaint form to begin the fraud investigation process.