What should you do if your identity is stolen?

Identity theft can happen at any time.  If you suspect your personal information has been misused to commit fraud or theft, certain steps should be taken immediately.  You may need to:

• Contact your financial institution immediately and alert it to the situation;
• Close accounts you think have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.  Call the security or fraud department of each associated company or financial institution;
• Notify credit card companies and financial institutions in writing.  Keep copies of your correspondence and enclosures for your records;
• File a police report with the local police department or with the police department in the area where the identity theft took place.  Ask for a copy of the police report.  This may be used by credit card companies and others as proof of the crime in order to erase the debts caused by identity theft;
• Change passwords on all of your online account if you suspect they have been compromised;
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.  The three major credit reporting agencies are: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
  • Experian—www.experian.com
    • To report fraud call 888-397-3742
    • Or write to PO Box 9530 Allen TX, 75013
  • Equifax—www.equifax.com 
    • To report fraud call 800-525-6285
    • Or write to PO Box 740241 Atlanta GA, 30374-0241
  • TransUnion—www.transunion.com
    • To report fraud call 800-680-7289
    • Or write to PO Box 6790 Fullerton, CA  92634