| DEFEND YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT: |
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With over 10 million Americans becoming victims of identity theft it is important that you know what to do incase your identity is stolen. It is important to take quick steps to ensure your vital information is protected and you recover from the potential damage identity theft could cause to you and your family’s life both emotionally and financially.
Here are a few steps that you should consider if you become an unfortunate victim of Identity Theft: |
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| 1. REVIEW YOUR CREDIT REPORTS AND PLACE FRAUD ALERTS AT ALL THREE CREDIT BUREAUS |
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This step can help you control the situation by making sure no further damage occurs through the misuse of your personal data. You can call either of the companies and they will make sure the other two companies are informed of the same. You call reach these agencies at the following toll free numbers
EquiFax: 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com |
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| 2. TERMINATE ALL FRAUDULENT AND COMPROMISED ACCOUNTS |
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Contact each of the companies where your information has been used to; either create new accounts or compromised existing accounts and speak with the security department handling fraud issues. In some cases like credit card companies or banks, they may require you to write into register a complaint.
Once you have followed the procedures to resolve these issues, ask the company to issue a letter stating that your account has been closed all disputed accounts and discharged the fraudulent debts. Keep a copy of this letter safely incase you need to dispute any errors in your credit report as a result of this issue. |
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| 3. FILE A POLICE REPORT |
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| File a police complaint about the identity theft and get a copy of the report for your reference. State laws may differ in the way local police handle identity theft, in some cases you may require file a “Miscellaneous Incidents” report. Check with you Attorney General’s office if you state requires you to file a report with police for Identity Theft. |
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| 4. FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) |
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| The FTC is a federal agency that can make sure law agencies around the country get the information related to your case. They can instruct agencies around the country to investigate or take preventive action on your case. You can file the report online at www.consumer.gov/idetheft or call toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). |
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| PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE |
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| HERE IS A LIST OF TOP IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION PRODUCTS THAT CAN SAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM IDENTITY THEFT |
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