Steps Needed If Your Identity Has Been Stolen or Compromised

Below are suggested steps to follow if your personal information is accidentally compromised or deliberately stolen.  It is very important that you act quickly to minimize the potential damage or loss.

1.  Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit report.  This alert request creditors to contact you before opening new accounts or making changes to existing accounts.  Notifying one of the 3 major reporting companies will be sufficient.  Their contact numbers are:
1. Equifax 1-800-525-6285      TDD 1-800-255-0056  www.equifax.com
2. Experian 1-888-397-3742     TDD 1-800-972-0322  www.experian.com
3. TransUnion 1-800-680-7289                                www.transunion.com
   
   
2. Get a copy of your credit report and read it.  Check for new accounts and inquiries. 
   
   
3. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
1. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account has been opened or changed without your permission.  Follow up the calls in writing and with supporting documents.
2. You may use the ID Theft Affidavit at www.ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
3. Ask for verification from the company that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent charges have been corrected.
4. Keep copies of documents and records of phone conversations about the theft.  Please be sure to get company name, person’s name, title, phone number, date, and time of call.
   
   
4. If you suspect your Social Security number has been compromised, call the Social Security Administration hotline at 1-877-438-4338.
   
   
5. File a Police Report.  File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.  Make several copies to be able to send the report to creditors that request a copy.
   
   
6. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission.  Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
1. On line at www.ftc.gov/idtheft
2. By phone 1-877-438-4338
3. By mail:           Identity Theft Clearing House

Federal Trade Commission,
Washington, DC  20580Continue to monitor your credit report for the next several years.  You can do this by calling 1-877-322-8228 or on line at www.annualcreditreport.com