 Identity Theft Victim's Checklist
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If you believe you are a victim of
identity theft, here are the things you should do.
Call the Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union credit bureaus,
and ask for a "fraud alert" to be put on your file. Ask them to
include messages on your credit report indicating that no new credit
should be granted without your personal
approval.
| Credit Bureau Fraud Departments |
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Equifax: 1
(800) 525-6285
Experian: 1 (888) 397-3742
Trans Union: 1 (800) 680-7289
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Contact the security departments of the
appropriate creditors or financial institutions for all accounts that have been
fraudulently accessed or opened. Close these accounts, and, if you
wish, open new ones to replace them. Choose a non-obvious password,
and ask that it be required for any and all future changes to the account.
File a police report, either locally, or where the identity theft took place.
You may need proof of the crime when dealing with creditors, so get a copy
of the report, or the report number.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) collects information on ID theft. They
can be helpful in solving the crime, and they can provide additional
advice. Call them at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338.)
Victim Worksheet
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This identity
theft victim worksheet is designed to help organize your phone calls
and contacts to credit bureaus, banks, law enforcement and others if you
are a victim.
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