Identity Theft

What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains important personal identifying information from another person in order to impersonate them to commit fraud. The personal identifying information can be items such as the other person's name, address, date of birth, social security number, and mother's maiden name. The identity thief uses this information to assume the victim's financial identity, enabling the thief to take over the victims existing accounts, apply for loans, credit cards, purchase automobiles and homes, and establish services from fee-based companies like telephone and utility providers.

How can I protect myself from identity theft?

To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft:

  • Never give personal information (social security number, date of birth, account numbers, PIN numbers, etc.) over the phone or on the internet unless you initiated the call and you know how that information will be used.
  • Make sure web sites that you have chosen to visit have a closed padlock or key icon in the corner of the screen before providing personal information.
  • Buy a cross-cut shredder and use it to destroy pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts and other financial information.
  • Send outgoing mail from a secure post office mail box; never leave mail at your home's mailbox.
  • Memorize your social security number and PIN numbers. Do not write this information on cards or papers that you keep in your wallet and do not imprint your social security number on your checks.
  • Do not discard ATM receipts near the terminal.
  • Sign all new credit cards as soon as you receive them.
  • Cancel any credit cards that you do not use. Review your credit report at least once a year.

What should I do if I believe I have become a victim of identity theft?

  • Contact all creditors by phone and in writing to alert them to the problem.
  • Close all accounts that could be compromised.
  • Call your nearest US Postal Inspection Service AND your local police department.
  • Contact your bank to report any unusual activity. Change your PIN and any other passwords associated with your accounts.
  • Contact the fraud units of ALL three credit bureaus to report identity theft. Ask to have a "Hawk Alert" or "Fraud Alert/Victim Impact" statement placed in your credit file. This requires that any new applications for credit or bank accounts and changes of address be verified by you. Contact the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline and the Federal Trade Commission.
  • Contact your Department of Motor Vehicles to report a lost or stolen driver's license immediately. Ask if any duplicate driver's licenses have been issued in your name or social security number.
  • Keep a log of all your creditor contacts and retain copies of all signed documents.

Whom should I call to report identity theft?

  • Your local police department
  • U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service (See Federal Government phone list in your telephone book or visit www.usps.gov/postalinspectors)
  • Federal Trade Commission 1.877.IDTHEFT
  • Equifax Credit Bureau, Fraud Hotline 1.800.525.6285
  • Experian Information Solutions 1.888.397.3742
  • TransUnion Credit Bureau, Fraud Hotline 1.800.680.7289
  • Social Security Administration, Fraud Hotline 1.800.269.0271