Guide. Identity Theft Assistance A Guide for Your Security

Transcription

1 Guide Identity Theft Assistance A Guide for Your Security 1

2 Identity Theft Assistance A Guide for Your Security GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ID THEFT 3 WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT? 3 HOW DOES AN IDENTITY GET STOLEN? 3 WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN? 4 HOW CAN YOU RECOGNIZE IF YOUR IDENTITY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED? 5 SHOULD YOU FILE A POLICE REPORT IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN? 5 HOW LONG CAN THE EFFECTS OF IDENTITY THEFT LAST? 6 LIABILITY YOU HAVE IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN 6 DEFENDING AGAINST ID THEFT 8 THE STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT 8 WHAT IS A FRAUD ALERT? 10 WHAT DOES A FRAUD ALERT NOT DO? 11 WHAT IS AN IDENTITY THEFT REPORT? 11 RECOVERY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION 14 RECOVERY FROM CREDIT CARD FRAUD 14 WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS COMPROMISED 14 CHECK FRAUD AND THE STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM 14 LOST/STOLEN PASSPORT 15 WALLET INVENTORY LIST 15 SAMPLE LETTERS & AIDS 17 SAMPLE DISPUTE LETTER FOR EXISTING CHARGE/DEBIT ACCOUNTS 17 SAMPLE DISPUTE LETTER FOR CREDIT BUREAUS 18 ID THEFT AFFIDAVIT 18 LISTING OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS/CREDIT BUREAUS/CHECK COMPANIES 19 REDUCING THE RISK IN THE FUTURE 22 WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP FIGHT IDENTITY THEFT? 22 WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE? 22 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/RESOURCES ON ID THEFT 23 2

3 General Information About ID Theft What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you did not make or until you are contacted by a debt collector. Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and a great deal of time repairing damage to their good name and credit record. The victim may be left with a bad credit report and must spend months regaining their financial health. In the meantime, they may have difficulty getting credit, obtaining loans, renting apartments. How does an identity get stolen? For identity thieves, personal information is of great value. Stealing a wallet used to be the best way to obtain pieces of identification. The crime has gotten much more sophisticated and skilled identity thieves use a various methods to get hold of personal information, including: Dumpster Diving They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it. Skimming They steal credit/debit card numbers and/or pins by using a special storage device when processing your card. This may occur during a purchase in which a sales associate or waiter may swipe your credit/debit card. Phishing They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information. Changing Your Address They submit a change of address form in order to divert your billing statements to another location form. They then have direct access to your information when they receive it at the new address. Stealing They continue to steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks. 3

4 Pretexting They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources. What can happen if your identity is stolen? Once they have your personal information, identity thieves use it in a variety of ways. Credit card fraud: They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the cards and don't pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your credit report. They may change the billing address on a credit card so that you no longer receive bills, and then run up charges on your account. Because your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there's a problem. Phone or utilities fraud: They may open a new phone or wireless account in your name, or run up charges on your existing account. They may use your name to get utility services like electricity, heating, or cable TV. Bank/finance fraud: They may create counterfeit checks using your name or account number. They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks. They may clone your ATM or debit card and make electronic withdrawals your name, draining your accounts. They may take out a loan in your name. Government documents fraud: They may get a driver's license or official ID card issued in your name but with their picture. They may use your name and Social Security number to get government benefits. They may file a fraudulent tax return using your information. Other fraud: They may get a job using your Social Security number. They may rent a house or get medical services using your name. They may give your personal information to police during an arrest. If they don't show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name. 4

5 How can you recognize if your identity has been compromised? The best way to find out is to monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis. If you check your credit report regularly, you may be able to limit the damage caused by identity theft. Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done. Here are some ways you, the consumer, may learn their identity has been compromised: You may find out when bill collection agencies contact you for overdue debts you never incurred. You may find out when you apply for a mortgage or car loan and learn that problems with your credit history are holding up the loan. You may find out when you get something in the mail about a an apartment you never rented, a house you never bought, a job you never held, or a credit card you never applied for. Should you file a police report if your identity is stolen? A police report that provides specific details of the identity theft is considered an Identity Theft Report, which entitles you to certain legal rights when it is provided to the three major credit reporting agencies or to companies where the thief misused your information. An Identity Theft Report can be used to permanently block fraudulent information that results from identity theft, such as accounts or addresses, from appearing on your credit report. It will also make sure these debts do not reappear on your credit reports. Identity Theft Reports can prevent a company from continuing to collect debts that result from identity theft, or selling them to others for collection. An Identity Theft Report is also needed to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report. You may not need an Identity Theft Report if the thief made charges on an existing account and you have been able to work with the company to resolve the dispute. Where an identity thief has opened new accounts in your name, or where fraudulent charges have been reported to the consumer reporting agencies, you should obtain an Identity Theft Report so that you can take advantage of the protections you are entitled to. In order for a police report to entitle you to the legal rights mentioned above, it must contain specific details about the identity theft. You should file an ID Theft Complaint with the FTC and bring your printed ID Theft Complaint with you to the police station when you file your police report. The printed ID Theft Complaint can be used to support your local police report to ensure that it includes the detail required. This guide will explain how to contact the FTC. 5

6 A police report is also needed to get copies of the thief s application, as well as transaction information from companies that dealt with the thief. To get this information, you must submit a request in writing, accompanied by the police report, to the address specified by the company for this purpose. How long can the effects of identity theft last? It's difficult to predict how long the effects of identity theft may linger. That's because it depends on many factors including when the theft is realized, the type of theft, whether the thief sold or passed your information on to other thieves, whether the thief is caught, and problems related to correcting your credit report. Victims of identity theft should monitor financial records for several months after they discover the crime. Victims should review their credit reports once every three months in the first year of the theft, and once a year thereafter. Stay alert for other signs of identity theft. Don't delay in correcting your records and contacting all companies that opened fraudulent accounts. Make the initial contact by phone, even though you will normally need to follow up in writing (we have included sample letters in this kit should it be deemed necessary). The longer the inaccurate information goes uncorrected, the longer it will take to resolve the problem. Liability you have if your identity is stolen Various laws limit your liability for fraudulent debts caused by identity theft. Fraudulent Credit Card Charges: You cannot be held liable for more than $50 for fraudulent purchases made with your credit card, as long as you let the credit card company know within 60 days of when the credit card statement with the fraudulent charges was sent to you. Some credit card issuers say cardholders who are victims of fraudulent transactions on their accounts have no liability for them at all. Lost or Stolen ATM/Debit Card: If your ATM or debit card is lost or stolen, you may not be held liable for more than $50 for the misuse of your card, as long as you notify the bank or credit union within two business days after you realize the card is missing. If you do not report the loss of your card promptly, your liability may increase. Fraudulent Electronic Withdrawals: If fraudulent electronic withdrawals are made from your bank or credit union account, and your ATM or debit card has not been lost or stolen, you are not liable, as long as you notify the bank or credit union in writing of the error within 60 days of the date the bank or credit union account statement with the fraudulent withdrawals was sent to you. 6

7 Fraudulent Checks: Under most state laws, you are liable for a limited amount for fraudulent checks issued on your account, as long as you notify the bank or credit union promptly. Contact your state banking or consumer protection agency for more information. Fraudulent New Accounts: Under most state laws, you are not liable for any debt incurred on fraudulent accounts opened in your name and without your permission. 7

8 Defending Against ID Theft The steps you should take if you are a victim of identity theft ACT FAST!! If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence. 1. Obtain and review your credit reports, and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too. If you do not receive a confirmation from a company, you should contact that company directly to place a fraud alert. Equifax: Order Credit Report: Report Fraud: ; P.O. Box , Atlanta, GA Experian: Order Credit Report: Report Fraud: EXPERIAN ( ); P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX TransUnion: Order Credit Report: Report Fraud: ; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order one free copy of your credit report from each of the three consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports. The easiest way to request this report is to go to You are legally able to obtain one free report annually from each of the three credit bureaus. Once you get your credit reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed. 8

9 Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred. 2. Close the accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently Even if you only suspect the fraud. Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Included in this document is the contact information for most major financial institutions. If we are missing an institution please call us directly and we will put you in touch with that institution. Follow up in writing, and include copies of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. A sample letter is included in this document for your reference and use. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures. If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or has fraudulently opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions or use the attached sample letter as a guide to the information which may be required: For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use the sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to the company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for sending your payments. For new unauthorized accounts, you can either file a dispute directly with the company or file a report with the police and provide a copy, called an Identity Theft Report, to the company. However, filing a report with the police and then providing the company with an Identity Theft Report will give you greater protection. For example, if the company has already reported these unauthorized accounts or debts on your credit report, an Identity Theft Report will require them to stop reporting that fraudulent information. Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt. Remember it is important to keep documentation of the process or recovering your identity. 9

10 3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. We recommend you file a complaint with the FTC by calling the Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: ID-THEFT ( ); TTY: ; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC Be sure update your complaint if you have any additional information or problems. By sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important information that can help law enforcement officials across the nation track down identity thieves and stop them. 4. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Call your local police department and tell them that you want to file a report about your identity theft. Ask them if you can file the report in person. If you cannot, ask if you can file a report over the Internet or telephone. See below for information about Automated Reports. If the police are reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incident" report, or try another jurisdiction, like your state police. We are happy to check with your state Attorney General's office to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for identity theft. Ask the officer to attach or incorporate the ID Theft Complaint into their police report. Tell them that you need a copy of the Identity Theft Report (the police report with your ID Theft Complaint attached or incorporated) to dispute the fraudulent accounts and debts created by the identity thief. (In some jurisdictions the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign your Complaint and write the police report number in the Law Enforcement Report section.) What is a fraud alert? There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, and an extended alert. An initial fraud alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days. You may ask that an initial fraud alert be placed on your credit report if you suspect you have been, or are about to be, a victim of identity theft. An initial alert is appropriate if your wallet has been stolen or if you've been taken in by a "phishing" scam. With an initial fraud alert, potential creditors must use what the law refers to as reasonable policies and procedures to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name. However, the steps potential creditors take to verify your identity may not always alert them that the applicant is not you. When you place an initial fraud alert on your credit report, you're entitled to order one free credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four 10

11 digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports. An extended fraud alert stays on your credit report for seven years. You can have an extended alert placed on your credit report if you've been a victim of identity theft and you provide the consumer reporting company with an Identity Theft Report. An automated Identity Theft Report, such as the printed ID Theft Complaint available from this Web site, should be sufficient to obtain an extended fraud alert. With an extended fraud alert, potential creditors must actually contact you, or meet with you in person, before they issue you credit. When you place an extended alert on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit reports within twelve months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. In addition, the consumer reporting companies will remove your name from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years unless you ask them to put your name back on the list before then. To place either of these alerts on your credit report, or to have them removed, you will be required to provide appropriate proof of your identity: that may include your Social Security number, name, address and other personal information requested by the consumer reporting company. As mentioned, depending on the type of fraud alert you place, potential creditors must either contact you or take reasonable steps to verify your identity. This may cause some delays if you're trying to obtain credit. To compensate for possible delays, you may wish to include a cell phone number, where you can be reached easily, in your alert. Remember to keep all contact information in your alert current. What does a fraud alert not do? While a fraud alert can help keep an identity thief from opening new accounts in your name, it s not a solution to all types of identity theft. It will not protect you from an identity thief using your existing credit cards or other accounts. It also will not protect you from an identity thief opening new accounts in your name that do not require a credit check such as a telephone, wireless, or bank account. And, if there s identity theft already going on when you place the fraud alert, the fraud alert alone won t stop it. A fraud alert, however, can be extremely useful in stopping identity theft that involves opening a new line of credit. What is an Identity Theft Report? An Identity Theft Report is a police report with more than the usual amount of detail. The Identity Theft Report includes enough detail about the crime for the credit reporting companies and the businesses involved to verify that you are a victim and to know which accounts and inaccurate information came 11

12 from identity theft. Normal police reports often don t have many details about the accounts that were opened or misused by identity thieves. The printed copy of your ID Theft Complaint Form can provide additional details for the police report. The police are not legally required to use the FTC s ID Theft Complaint Form as part of their report. Your police department may have another way to incorporate the details of your crime. In these cases, the police report by itself may serve as an Identity Theft Report. When you file your Identity Theft Report, the credit reporting companies will permanently block fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report. Filing an Identity Theft Report with the credit reporting companies or with the companies where the thief used your information should ensure that these debts do not reappear on your credit report. Creating and using an Identity Theft Report may require two steps: Step One begins with filing your report with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. These agencies may include your local police department, your State Attorney General, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the FTC, or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Some state laws require local police departments to take reports, but there is no law requiring federal agencies to take a report. In your report, you should give as much information as you can about the crime, including anything you know about the dates of the identity theft, the fraudulent accounts opened and the alleged identity thief. It may help you give the necessary level of detail if you file an online complaint with the FTC, and then ask your local police department to incorporate a copy of the printed ID Theft Complaint into its police report. Step Two begins when you send the businesses involved and the credit reporting companies a copy of your Identity Theft Report, which you should do by certified mail, return receipt requested. The companies may ask you to give them more information or documentation to help them verify your identity theft. They have to make their request within 15 days of receiving your Identity Theft Report. The credit reporting company or business then has 15 more days to work with you to make sure your Identity Theft Report contains everything they need. They are also entitled to five days to review any information you give them. For example, if you give them information 11 days after they request it, they have until day 16 to make a final decision. 12

13 How do I obtain an Identity Theft Report? The officer taking your police report can attach or incorporate your ID Theft Complaint into their police report to add more detail. Ask the officer to give you a copy of the official police report that incorporates or attaches your ID Theft Complaint. In some places the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign a copy of your ID Theft Complaint and write the police report number in the Law Enforcement Report section. Be sure to keep a copy of the police report number. The police are not legally required to use the FTC s ID Theft Complaint Form as part of their report. Your police department may have another way to include all the details of your identity theft information in their police report. In these cases, the police report by itself may serve as an Identity Theft Report. 13

14 Recovery of Personal Information Recovery from Credit Card Fraud Under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration may issue you a new Social Security number - at your request - if, after trying to resolve the problems brought on by identity theft, you continue to experience problems. Consider this option carefully. What to do if your social security number is compromised While any business or agency can ask for your number, few can actually demand it. Agencies that can demand it are generally government related, such as motor vehicle departments, tax departments and welfare departments. Under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration may issue you a new Social Security number - at your request - if, after trying to resolve the problems brought on by identity theft, you continue to experience problems. Consider this option carefully. A new Social Security number may not resolve your identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new Social Security number does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old Social Security number with those from your new Social Security number. Even when the old credit information is not associated with your new Social Security number, the absence of any credit history under your new Social Security number may make it more difficult for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new Social Security number wouldn't also be misused by an identity thief. Check fraud and the steps to take if you become a victim Different types of Check Fraud 1. Check Theft: A thief uses existing stolen checks 2. Check washing: A thief takes an existing check and chemically washes it, and alters it. 3. Checking account takeover: A thief adds his/her information to your account; changes the mailing address or makes unauthorized alterations to your account for unlimited access. 4. Check counterfeiting: A thief takes blank check stock and creates additional checks that mirror your account. This information is on the bottom of every 14

15 check and deposit slip. This can happen regardless if the account is opened or closed. 5. Check synthesizing: Your name and address appears on a check for an account that you never opened, perhaps at a bank you don t use. Steps to clearing up Check Fraud 1. File a police report. This will be in the city/state you live in. Please get a physical copy of this report. 2. Send via certified mail return receipt to the check verification companies, financial institutions and merchants copies of the following: police report, fraud affidavit, Letter Form 126, and Letter Form Check to verify with the check verification companies, financial institutions and merchants to see if your driver s license number is being used to pass the bad checks. If so, contact your DMV Fraud Department and request that your license number is changed. Lost/Stolen Passport Contact the United States Department of States (USDS) if you have lost your passport or believe that your passport has been stolen, or misused by an identity thief. Contact them via their website at or your Identity Theft Assistance center at (press 2) and we will direct you to the closest field office for you to contact. Wallet Inventory List Driver s License Credit Cards Social Security Card Bank Account Information/Number Health Insurance Card Video Card Library Card Gym Card Student ID Work ID Gift Cards Retail Shopping Cards Grocery Store/Sam s Club/Costco Card Cash Estimate 15

16 Children s Information/Spouse s Information Checks Blank Checks Vouchers Any piece of paper with padlock or account codes/passwords Concealed Pistol License/Gun License 16

17 Sample Letters & Aids Sample Dispute Letter for Existing Charge/Debit Accounts [Date] [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Account Number] [Name of Creditor] Billing Inquiries [Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to dispute a fraudulent [charge/debit] on my account in the amount of $. I am a victim of identity theft, and I did not make this [charge/debit]. I am requesting that the [charge be removed/the debit reinstated], that any finance and other charges related to the fraudulent amount be credited, as well, and that I receive an accurate statement. Enclosed is a copy of my (Identity Theft Report, Police Report, ID Theft Affidavit, and/or other documents to support identity theft) supporting my position. I would like to reference the Fair Credit Reporting Act and direct you to 605B, 615(f) and 623(a)(6), which detail your responsibilities as an information furnisher to consumer reporting agencies in response to the Identity Theft Report I am providing. Please investigate this matter and correct the fraudulent [charge/debit] as soon as possible. Your cooperation and prompt attention are greatly appreciated. Sincerely, [Your Name] Enclosures: 17

18 Sample Dispute Letter for Credit Bureaus [Date] [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Account Number] [Name of Creditor] Billing Inquiries [Address] [City, State, Zip Code] RE: Dispute of credit report related to identity theft Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to inform you that I have been a victim of identity theft. There is inaccurate information on my credit report that relates to this theft that by way of this letter I am disputing. The items I am disputing are highlighted on the attached credit report that I received from (name of Credit Bureau). The following is a listing of the disputed items. (provide listing of disputed items) Enclosed is a copy of my (Identity Theft Report, Police Report, ID Theft Affidavit, and/or other documents to support identity theft) supporting my position. Please investigate these matters and correct my credit report as soon as possible. Sincerely, [Your Name] Enclosures: ID Theft Affidavit This affidavit is provided by the FTC and is an easy first step towards building your Identity Theft Report. It is helpful to share this affidavit with law enforcement when filing your police report. 18

19 Listing of Financial Institutions/Credit Bureaus/Check Companies Financial Institutions Banco Popular American Express Bank of America Capital One Chase Card Services Contact Information P: (800) West Bryn Mawr Rosemont, IL P: (800) ID Theft Assistance number: (800) P.O Box El Paso, TX P: (800) F: (602) P.O. Box AZ Phoenix, Arizona P: (800) P.O. Box Capital One Fraud Operations Richmond, VA P: (800) P.O. Box Phoenix, AZ Charter One Bank P: (877) Citibank Commerce Bank Diners Club International Discover P: (800) P.O. Box 6000 Fraud Early Warning Hagerstown, MD P: (800) F: (816) Main Street 11 th Floor-Security Kansas City, MO P: (800) P: (800) Discover Financial Services P.O. Box Salt Lake City, UT Fifth Third Bank P: (800) First National Bank of Omaha P: (800) F: (402) Dodge Street Omaha, NE Harris Bank P: (888)

20 Financial Institutions HSBC Contact Information P: (800) 975-HSBC P.O. Box 2013 Buffalo, NY KeyBank MBNA Merrill Lynch P: (888) (ID Theft reporting) 127 Public Square Cleveland, Ohio P: (800) F: (302) P.O. Box Wilmington, DE P: (800) F: (212) Broadway 2 nd Floor Security Fraud Control New York, NY National City P: (888) SunTrust BankCard N.A. P: (407) F: (407) Chancellor Drive FL-ORL-9117 Orlando, FL Target P: (888) TCF Bank U.S. Bank Wachovia Washington Mutual Wells Fargo Card Svs. P: (800) F: (612) P: (866) F: (414) East Wisconsin Avenue Investigative Services Milwaukee, WI P: (800) West W.T. Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC P: (800) Attn: General Inquiries 1301 Second Ave. Seattle, WA P: (800) F: (515) Vista Drive Attn: Fraud Detection West Des Moines, Iowa frauddesmoinesia@wellsfargo.com 20

21 Credit Bureaus Experian TransUnion Equifax Contact Information P : (888) P.O. Box 9532 Allen, TX P : (800) Fraud Victim Assistance Division P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA P : (800) P.O. Box Atlanta, Georgia Checking Cos. Contact Information Check Rite Chex Systems or CPA Security System Cross Check Equifax Equifax Risk Management or or Equifax Telecredit International Check Svcs National Processing Co Shared Check Authorization Network Telecheck or

22 Reducing the Risk in the Future What can be done to help fight identity theft? Awareness is an effective weapon against many forms identity theft. Be aware of how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours, monitor your personal information to uncover any problems quickly, and know what to do when you suspect your identity has been stolen. Armed with the knowledge of how to protect yourself and take action, you can make identity thieves' jobs much more difficult. You can also help fight identity theft by educating your friends, family, and members of your community. What can be done to protect yourself in the future? Pay attention to your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement (PEBES). The Social Security Administration mails it to you each year about three months before your birthday. Be sure the information in the file is correct. You can also contact the SSA at (800) or to learn how to obtain this free report. Review your credit report at least once a year. The access to your report is free, so there is no reason to not take this step to protect your identity. Reduce the number of credit and debit cards you carry in your wallet. When using your credit and debit cards at merchants, pay close attention to how the magnetic stripe information is swiped by the clerk. You want to make sure your information is not being skimmed. Use a credit card on line instead of your debit card. The protection is greater with a credit card. Keep an inventory list of all your credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, and investment account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers of the customer service and fraud departments in a secure place. Never give out you Social Security Number, credit card numbers or personal information. Watch the mail when you expect a new card to arrive. 22

23 Additional Information/Resources on ID Theft Recent Fraud Trends Check Scams Check schemes are spreading across the U.S. as scammers exploit the fast-growing popularity of online auctioning, dating and socialnetworking sites to find victims. Consumers are attempting to reduce the use of checks, but the creation of fake checks is booming. Counterfeit checks have become the second-most common Internet fraud and the top telemarketing fraud. How are they scamming on the internet? In a common scam, fraudsters contact sellers at online auction sites, saying they want to buy an item. The scammer will send the seller a counterfeit cashier's check or counterfeit money order and want the seller to send them back an alleged overpayment by wire transfer. Under federal law, banks have to make the funds you deposit available quickly usually within one to five days, depending on the type of check. It can take weeks for the forgery to be discovered and the check to bounce and the victim will have already wired the overpayment amount to the fraud. There is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back. If a stranger wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashiers check for the exact amount. Child Identity Theft Child Identity Theft occurs when a child s identity is used by another person for the imposter s personal gain. Sometimes the perpetrator may be a family member or someone known by the family. It could also be a complete stranger. Children are becoming ideal targets because of their clean credit and absence of criminal histories and the lengthy amount of time between the theft of their information and the discovery of the crime. Typically, a thief borrows the information of a minor to get a driver s license, open credit cards, borrow loans, or uses the child s identity when caught in a criminal act. Spoofing Criminals are beginning to spoof phone numbers by replacing the actual number they are calling from with other phone numbers in order to try to hide who they are calling in as. Spoofing is not against the law. But, the unfortunate victims fall for the telemarketer's pitch and don't get the promised services they ve paid for. 23

24 Pharming Criminals hack into your computer and implant hidden software; when you try to log onto a legitimate e-commerce site, the software takes you to a copycat site instead, where they can then attain your credit card numbers and other personal information. You can prevent pharming by installing and maintaining computer security systems, with software such as Norton AntiVirus or McAfee VirusScan -- which feature anti-virus and anti-spyware protections -- and firewalls such as ZoneAlarm or Norton Personal Firewall. Simply buy and install the software and sign up for automatic updates. 24