When a person fraudulently assumes or changes your identity for financial gain
If Someone has stolen your identity, take the following actions immediately !
- Contact the fraud department of each of the three major credit bureaus
- Tell them to flag your file with a fraud alert
- Have the creditors get your permission before opening any new accounts
- Ask the credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports
- Review your reports carefully for any accounts that may have been tampered with or opened
- Contact any of the creditors for any accounts that may have been tampered with or opened
- Follow up with a letter to meet the procedures of the Fair Credit Billing Act
- In a few months order new copies to verify your corrections and changes and to make sure that no new fraudulent activity has occurred
- File a report with your local police department or the police in the community where the identity theft took place
- If your social security card is stolen contact the Social Security Administration
- If your driver's license is stolen contact your Department of Motor Vehicles
- Use a password for account changes (Not maiden name, birthdays, etc.)
| Report Fraud | Order Credit Report | |
| Equifax | 800-525-6285 | 800-685-1111 |
| Experian | 888-397-3742 | 888-397-3742 |
| Trans Union | 800-680-7290 | 800-916-8800 |
| Social Security | 800-772-1213 | |
| Federal Trade Commission | 877-438-4338 | |
| American Express | 800-528-4800 | |
| Discover | 800-347-2683 | |
| Master Card | 800-826-2181 | |
| Visa | 800-336-8472 |
