Identity Theft

Identity Theft

The following information was provided by the Federal Trade Commission:

If someone is using your personal or financial information to make purchases, get benefits, file taxes or commit fraud, you are a victim of identity theft and should do the following:

  1. Call the companies where you know fraud occurred and explain that someone stole your identity.  Ask them to close or freeze accounts so no one can add new charges unless and until you agree.
  2. Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports.  You can place a free fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus.  That company must alert the other two.
    1. Experian.com/help (888-EXPERIAN)
    2. TransUnio.com/credit-help (888-909-8872)
    3. Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services (800-685-1111)
  3. Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission by going to IdentityTheft.gov.  Include as many details as possible.  You may need to close accounts opened in your name.