Identity Theft Victims

If you think you are the victim of identity theft, take the following steps as soon as possible, and keep records of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.

1. Place a “fraud alert” on your credit reports, and add a “victim’s statement” to your file requesting that creditors contact you before opening new accounts in your name.
2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Call and speak to someone in the security or fraud department. Follow up in writing sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
3. File a “Miscellaneous Incidents” report at a police station where the identity theft occurred, and get a copy of the police report. It can help you deal with creditors who need proof of the crime.
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can file a complaint online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft; call 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); or write to Identity Theft Clearinghouse, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580.