If You're a Victim
Every 2 seconds, there is a new identity theft victim.
You're the victim...Now What?!
1. File a police report
You may need proof of the crime. You can provide credit agencies with a copy of your police report to have a fraud alert extended to seven years.
2. Contact the three major Credit Reporting Bureaus
Place a 'Fraud Alert' on your accounts:
Equifax - 1-800-525-6285
Trans Union - 1-800-680-7289
Experian - 1-888-397-3742
3. Request your credit reports
You can request free copies of your reports at www.annualcreditreport.com. Check each of your reports carefully and look for any accounts or entries that you did not authorize. Be sure you can identify every entry reported.
Did someone open accounts in your name?
Call the creditors for the affected accounts.
Advise the creditors that you are the victim of Identity Theft and close any affected accounts.
Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Correct the address on any mail being sent to the wrong location, in your name. You can reach them at 1-800-275-8777 or at www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect
Consider placing a "Security Freeze" on your Credit Bureau information
What is the difference between "Security Freeze" and "Fraud Alert"?
A security freezemeans that your credit file cannot be accessed by potential creditors, insurance companies or employers doing background checks unless you have authorized it.
Afraud alertis a special message that a credit issuer receives when checking someone's credit rating. It tells them there may be fraud involved but does not limit access to your information.
Did someone use your SSN or file a fraudulent documents with the IRS?
Contact the Social Security Administration
You can reach the U.S. Social Security hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig. The SSA will investigate someone receiving benefits using your Social Security Number.
Contact the IRS
Filing with the IRS will allow them to help you in filing your tax return, receiving any refund due to you and help to protect your IRS account going forward. You can reach their ID Protection hotline at 1-800-908-4490. Be prepared to send them copies of your police report and proof of your identity such as a copy of your Social Security card, Drivers License or Passport.
WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING!
Keep a diary; record dates you make calls, send letters and who you speak with. Keep copies of every letter you send.
Did someone use your information to get medical care or prescriptions?
Obtain copies of your records
You have the right, through Federal law, to know what is in your medical files. Be sure that the care you received matches up with the information in your records. Look for any errors or discrepancies.
Ask for corrections
- Write to your health care provider to report any mistakes you find in your records.
- Include a copy of the medical record with the mistake.
- Explain how to correct it.
- Include a copy of your police report.
- Send the letter by certified mail with a return receipt.
Notify your health insurance and all Credit Reporting Bureaus
Send copies of your police report to your health insurance fraud department
Be smart and stay safe
- Don't share your medical or insurance information with anyone unless you initiated the contact.
- Keep your medical and insurance records in a safe place. Shred outdated forms or statements as well as labels from prescription bottles.