Identity theft is the number crime in the United States currently occurring more than once every minute and the numbers are only expected to grow for the foreseeable future with technology advancing far faster than law enforcement can investigate and prosecute. If you are in need of a solution or would like further information on how to avoid identity Theft please click on our Tungle Me link to schedule a free 15 minute evaluation with a licensed expert or call us toll free 877-775-0812 for more information. If you are a victim of identity theft please follow our directions below provided by the Federal Trade Commission.
Identity theft victims first steps:
If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following first four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.
1. PLACE A FRAUD ALERT ON YOUR CREDIT REPORTS, AND CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR CREDIT REPORTS.
Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report.You only need to contact one of the following three companies to place an alert. The company you call is required to notify the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report too.
- Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
Once you have placed the fraud alert in your file, you are entitled to order free copies of your credit reports and, if you ask , only the last four digits of your social security number will appear on your credit reports.
When you have received the credit reports from the agencies, review them carefully. Look for inquiries you from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on accounts that you cannot explain. Check that information like your S.S.N., address(es), names or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or incorrect information get it removed. Continue to check credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
2. CLOSE THE ACCOUNTS THAT YOU KNOW OR BELIEVE , HAVE BEEN TAMPERED WITH OR OPENED FRAUDULENTLY.
Call and speak to someone in the fraud or security department of each company. Follow up in writing and include copies (not originals) of supporting documents. Send letters by certified mail, return receipt requested,so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.
When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINS) and passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mothers maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SSN or your phone number or a series of consecutive numbers.
If the identity thief has made changes or debits on your accounts, or on fraudulently opened accounts, ask the company representative for the forms to be filled out and dispute those transactions. If the representative has no forms available go to www.ftc.gov/idtheft to learn how to dispute the incorrect charges and use the sample dispute letter found in the "Take charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft" If the accounts are newly opened, ask the company representative if the company accepts the ID Theft Affidavit (Also found at the F.T.C. website) if not ask the representative to send the company's dispute forms.
If the company has already reported these accounts or debts on your credit report, dispute this fraudulent information. Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the fraudulent debts. This letter is the best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
3. FILE A REPORT WITH YOUR LOCAL POLICE OR THE POLICE WHERE IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE THE IDENTITY THEFT TOOK PLACE.
Then, get a copy of the police report, the number will help you deal with creditors who need proof of the crime. If the police are reluctant to take your report, try another jurisdiction like the state police. You can also check with the States Attorney General Office.
4. FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
By sharing your identity theft compliant with the Federal Trade Commission you will provide important information that will help law enforcement officials track down identity thieves.
Driving Force Financial Network and The 401Kman are not responsible for the accuracy of information provided. These are recommended actions according to" Take Charge Fighting Against Identity Theft" a Federal Trade Commission publication available from the F. T. C.
