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Step 1: Protect Your Finances - Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major Credit ureaus. Get a copy of your credit report, which is free to ID theft victims. Ask that your file be flagged with a "fraud alert tag" and "victim's statement." That will limit the thief's ability to open new credit accounts, as new creditors will call you before granting credit, generally. Insist, in writing, that the fraud alert remain in place for seven years, the maximum, according to PrivacyRights.org.
You may also request a FREE Credit Report through www.annualcreditreport.com Step 2: File A Police Report - You will need a police report to dispute unauthorized charges and for any insurance claims. Be persistent; your local police department may suggest that this isn't necessary, because they don't want the paperwork hassle. Also, fill out an Online ID Theft Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call (877) ID-THEFT. That enters your case in the FTC's "Consumer Sentinel" database, a nationwide list of ID theft cases which can be used by law enforcement officers to find patterns and catch criminals. Step 3: Close ALL Compromised Accounts - The list may be wider than you realize. This includes accounts with banks, credit card companies and other lenders, as well as phone companies, utilities, ISPs, and other service providers. Dispute all unauthorized charges and ask for a company's fraud dispute form - If the company doesn't have special forms for reporting fraud disputes, the FTC offers an ID Theft Affidavit (PDF), ask the company if they will accept it. Some disputes may require a sworn statement and police report. ____________________________ Interested in FREE software that could help you determine the authenticity of a website? TraceAssure...offers web authentication technology the cross references web domain pages with the corresponding IP address to verify authenticity. For more information please visit: www.tracesecurity.com/products/newtoolbar1.php. ____________________________ MORE HELP...
Disclaimer: Third-party website links are provided by Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union as a courtesy to our members. These web sites are neither owned, operated, nor endorsed by Atlantic Regional and we are not responsible for the content of these sites, nor do we control their availability. You will be leaving the credit union's website. Atlantic Regional does not represent either the third party nor the member if the two enter into any transaction. Privacy and security policies may differ from those practiced by Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union.
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