Identity Theft
Identity theft is....
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It’s a serious crime that mess up your finances, credit history, and reputation, and can take time, money, and patience to fix.
Protection
Guard your information online. Clear your logins and passwords, pay for online purchases with a credit card, and be alert for phishing.
Monitor your bank & credit card statement. Check your accounts regularly to make sure nothing has happened.
Verify your mailing address with the post office & financial institutions. Identity thieves could fill out change of address forms so that the balances do not show up.
Shred sensitive documents. Outdated bank statements, credit card applications, bills, and anything with your personal information before tossing it into the trash or recycling. Junk mail often includes some of your personal details.
Did your identity get stolen? Follow these steps first.
1. Place an initial fraud alert.
2. Order your credit reports.
3. Create an identity theft report.
Next....
Extended Fraud Alerts & Credit Freezes
Placing both extended fraud alerts and credit freezes on your credit reports can make it more difficult for an identity thief to open new accounts in your name.
Repairing Your Credit
Once you get your credit reports back, make sure all your key information is correct. Including:
- Name
- Address
- Social Security Number
- Employers
If you see errors on the report, like accounts you didn’t open or debts you didn’t make, talk to the credit reporting companies about the errors and the fraud department of each business that reported an error.