What is Identity Theft?

 Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number or some other piece of your personal information to apply for a credit card, make unauthorized purchases, gain access to your bank accounts or obtain loans under your name. Unfortunately, most people do not know that they have been victims of identity theft until mysterious charges appear on their credit card bills or they are rejected for a mortgage because unpaid bills appear on their credit report.

Identity Theft: What to do if it happens to you.

This guide provides victims of identity theft with the major resources to contact. Unfortunately, at this time victims themselves are burdened with resolving the problem. You must act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage.

In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, names, and phone numbers. Note time spent and any expenses incurred, in case you are able to request restitution in a later judgment or conviction against the thief. Confirm conversations in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep copies of all letters and documents.

1. Law Enforcement. Report the crime to your local police or sheriff’s department. You might also need to report it to police departments where the crime occurred. Give them as much information as possible. Get a copy of the police report.
2. Credit Bureaus. Immediately call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies--Experian (formerly TRW), Equifax and Trans Union. Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers and request a credit report (free to identity theft victims). Ask that your file be flagged with a fraud alert. Add a victim’s statement to your report. (“My ID has been stolen. Contact me at {your phone number} to verify all applications.”) Ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your file, and how you can extend it if necessary.

   Equifax : PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
   1-800-525-6285
   Web: www.equifax.com

   Experian : PO Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
   1 -888-397-3742
   Web: www.experian.com

   Trans Union : PO Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790.
   1-800-680-7289
   Web: www.transunion.com

3. Stolen Checks. If you have had checks stolen or bank account set up fraudulently, report it to the appropriate check verification companies and your financial institution at once. Put stop payment on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of. If your own checks are rejected at stores where you shop, contact the check verification company that the merchant uses.
   
   CheckRite: (800) 627-0041
   Equifax Chexsystems: (800) 428-9623
   CrossCheck: (707) 586-0551
   SCAN: (800) 262-7771
   TeleCheck: (800) 710-9898
   International Check Services (800) 526-5380

4. U.S. Postal Inspector: The U.S. Postal Inspector can assist if an identity thief stole your mail to get new credit cards, bank and credit card statements, pre-screened offers, tax information, or if a thief has falsified change-of-address forms. Contact your local post office for the phone number for the nearest postal inspection service or check the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect.

5. ATM and Debit Cards. If your ATM or debit card has been stolen or compromised, report it immediately. Get a new card. You may be liable if fraud is not reported quickly. During regular business hours call: (912) 236-4400 or (800) 442-8877 Ext. 2244. After business hours call: (800) 754-4128.

6. SSN misuse. Call the Social Security Administration to report fraudulent use of your SSN. SSN Administration-report fraud: 1-800-269-0271. Also order a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefits Statement and check it for accuracy. The thief might be using your SSN for employment purposes. (Web: www.ssa.gov)

7. Phone Service: If your long distance calling card has been stolen or you discover fraudulent charges on your bill, cancel the account and open a new one. Provide a password which must be used any time the account is changed.

8. Driver’s License Number misuse: You may need to change your driver’s license number if someone is using yours as identification on bad checks. Call the state office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if another license was issued in your name. Put a fraud alert on your license. Go to your local DMV to request a new number.

9. Creditors: Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently, by phone and in writing. You may be asked to fill out fraud affidavits. (No law requires these to be notarized at your own expense.) Get replacement cards with new account numbers for your own accounts that have been used fraudulently. Ask that old accounts be processed as “account closed at consumer’s request.” (This is better than “Card lost or stolen,” because when this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.) Carefully monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity. Report it immediately to credit grantors.

10. Don’t give in: Do not pay any bill or portion of a bill that is a result of identity theft. Do not cover any checks which were written and/or cashed fraudulently. Do not file for bankruptcy. Your credit rating should not be permanently affected, and no legal action should be taken against you. If any merchant, financial institution or collection agency suggest otherwise, simply restate you willingness to cooperate, but don’t allow yourself to be coerced into paying fraudulent bills. Report such attempts to government regulators immediately.

11. Victim Statement: If the imposter is apprehended by law enforcement and stands trial, write a victim impact letter to the judge handing the case. Contact the victim-witness assistance program in your area for further information on how to make your voice heard in the legal proceedings.

12. False civil and criminal judgments: Sometimes victims of identity theft are wrongfully accused of crimes committed by the imposter. If a civil judgment has been entered in your name for actions taken or debts incurred by your imposter, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft. If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the state Department of Justice and the FBI. Ask how to clear your name.

13. Legal Help: You may want to consult an attorney to determine legal action to take against creditors and/or credit bureaus if they are not cooperative in removing fraudulent entries from your credit report or if negligence is a factor. Call the local Bar association or Legal Aid office to find an attorney who specialized is consumer law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Credit Billing Act.