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Identity Theft

Identity theft and cybercrime are in the news daily. We're on your side.

Identity Theft

01. The Problem of Identity Theft

Some 500,000 to 700,000 Americans a year are at risk of having their identities stolen, according to government and private sector estimates. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to establish credit, borrow money, charge items or even commit crimes in your name.

While the incidence of Internet identity theft is growing, fraud experts agree that you are still more likely to become a victim of this federal crime by more traditional means, such as improperly discarding credit card or other financial data. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming an ID theft victim and what to do should you be stung by one of these thieves.

02. Protect Your Identity

  • Never respond to unsolicited requests for your social security number (SSN) or financial data.
  • Before discarding, shred credit card, ATM receipts and any pre-approved credit offers you have received, but don't plan to use.
  • Check all credit card and bank statements for accuracy.
  • Avoid easy to figure out access and personal ID (PIN) codes.
  • Obtain a copy of your credit report yearly and check it for accuracy.
  • Use only secure sites when making online purchases. Secure pages begin with "https".
  • Pay for online purchases by credit card to assure you get what you paid for and to limit your liability.
  • Safeguard your SSN, and check Earnings and Benefit statements annually for fraudulent use.

03. If You Become a Victim

If you find you have become a victim of identity theft, immediately take the following actions:

  • File a police report.
  • Contact your banker.
  • Notify all of those with whom you have a financial relationship.
  • Tag accounts closed due to fraud, "Closed at consumer's request".
  • Notify credit bureau fraud units.
  • Establish a password for telephone inquiries on credit card accounts.
  • Place a fraud alert statement on your credit report.
  • Request bi-monthly copies of your credit report until your case is resolved (usually free to fraud victims).
  • Report check theft to check verification companies.
  • Check post office for unauthorized change of address requests.
  • Follow-up contacts with letters and keep copies of all correspondence.

04. OptOutPrescreen.com

Remove your name from pre-approved credit or insurance mailing lists sold to Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion.

05. Remain Alert

You should suspect ID theft if you're denied credit for no apparent reason or if routine financial statements stop arriving in a timely manner.

Credit Reports

01. Your Access to Free Credit Reports

A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation's consumer reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to consumer reporting companies.

A credit report contains information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. There are three nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

02. How to Get Your Free Credit Report

Consumers in Western states will first be able to order their credit reports under the federal law beginning December 1, 2004. Consumers in other states will be able to order their copies according to a regional roll-out.

The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up one central website and a toll-free telephone number where you can order your free annual report:

Or, you can complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form available at the website above and mail it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order from only one or two. The law allows you to order one free copy from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies every 12 months.

Safe Deposit Boxes

01. Three Ways to Protect Yourself

So how can you protect yourself and your possessions if you have a safe deposit box? Consider the following steps:

  • Call your bank. If you don't remember paying a safe deposit fee recently, ask your bank if your box is free. If not, stop by the branch, make sure your box is still there and pay the bill. If possible, set up an automatic payment so the fee is deducted each year from your checking account.
  • Visit your box. At least once a year, open the box and inspect its contents. Then make sure the bank has the correct address on file for you.
  • Tell your heirs. Ideally, you'll mention the box in your will (which you shouldn't store in the box - safe deposit boxes may be sealed at death). At the very least, let a trusted friend or relative know about the box's existence.

02. Resources

If you suspect you may have abandoned a safe deposit box in the past, or are the heir of someone who may have done so, you'll want to search the free online databases offered by most states. You can find links to the databases at either of these two websites:

Both sites are managed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, which represent the state officials charged with safeguarding homeless funds.

Where to Get Help

01. Credit Reporting Bureaus

  
Equifax   www.equifax.com
Report Fraud   800-525-6285
Order Credit Report   800-685-1111
     
Experian   www.experian.com
Report Fraud   888-397-3742
Order Credit Report   888-397-3742
     
Trans Union   www.tuc.com
Report Fraud   800-680-7289
Order Credit Report   800-888-4213
     

02. Social Security Administration

    
Report Fraud   800-269-0271
Order Benefits and Earnings Statement   800-772-1213
     

03. Reporting Fraudulent Check Use

    
Check Rite   800-766-2748
ChexSystems   800-428-9623
CrossCheck   707-586-0551
Equifax   800-437-5120
National Processing Company   800-256-5380
SCAN   800-256-5380
TeleCheck   800-710-9898
     

04. More Information

    
Identity Theft Resource Center   www.idtheftcenter.org
Federal Trade Commission   www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Anti-Phishing Working Group   www.antiphishing.org
United State Postal Service   www.usps.com