Identity Theft and Internet Banking Safety
What to Do if You Become a Vicitm
Contact the Police
Provide documentation (i.e., debt collection letters, credit reports, ID Theft Affidavit) to prove you are a victim of identity theft. Require that a report be filed.
Contact Credit Bureaus
Request that “Fraud Alert” be placed in your file as well as a victim's statement that asks creditors to call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts.
Order a copy of your credit report from each credit bureau. Reports must be given free of charge to victims of identity theft. Review the reports to verify no fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name and that your existing account was not charged. Contact companies of unauthorized new accounts or pending inquiries immediately. Have them remove the accounts from their system. It is only necessary to contact one credit bureau to report identity theft because they all share a common database.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission The FTC will file a report and assist you in referring complaints to appropriate entities, including major credit-reporting agencies and law enforcement agencies. Call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Contact Creditors, Financial Institutions, or Utilities
Ask if they have their own fraud dispute forms. If not, ask if your ID Theft Affidavit is sufficient. Close old accounts and open new accounts using new PINs and passwords.
If your checks have been stolen or misused, contact the major check verification companies directly to request retailers who use their databases to not accept your checks.
If your checks have been stolen or misused, you can find out if the identity thief has been passing bad checks in your name by calling SCAN at (800) 262-7771.
Contact the U.S. Postal Service if your mail has been stolen.Contact the Social Security Administration if your Social Security number has been stolen.