Resources for Identity Theft Victims |
Take Action
If you believe you have been victimized by identity theft or fraud, taking action immediately will help protect your assets, accounts and credit rating. According to The Identity Theft Resource Center, it takes an average of 600 hours to rectify the effects of identity theft and reclaim your good name and credit rating.
Protecting your Credit
Contact each of the three principal credit reporting companies. Even if you merely suspect credit fraud but have no proof, you can put a credit freeze on your account, depending on what state you live in.
Equifax: To report fraud, call (800) 525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250. For a copy of your credit report, ($8 in most states), write to P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241, or call (800) 685-1111.
Experian (formerly TRW): To report fraud, call (888) EXPERIAN or (888) 397-3742, fax to (800) 301-7196, or write to P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013. For a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states): P.O. Box 2104, Allen TX 75013, or call (888) EXPERIAN.
Trans Union: To report fraud, call (800) 680-7289 or write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634. For a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states), write to P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA 19064 or call: (800) 888-4213.
Protecting Other Accounts
To help stop identity theft as soon as possible, immediately contact creditors or financial institutions where you have accounts that an identity thief may have accessed without your knowledge. Identity thieves may have opened fraudulent accounts using your personal information.
If an identity thief has learned of your financial accounts, you may wish to cancel those accounts, place stop-payment orders on any outstanding checks, and request new ATM cards, accounts, and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN).
Notifying Federal Agencies
Postal Fraud
If you suspect that someone has redirected your mail, or has used mail to commit fraud using your personal information, contact your local office of the Postal Inspection Office.
Social Security Fraud
If you suspect that your Social Security number has been fraudulently used, call the Social Security Administration at 800-269-0271 to report the fraud.
Tax Fraud
If you suspect that your personal information has been used in connection with violations of the tax code, call the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-0433.
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