Identity Theft

 Identity Theft is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identifying information (PII) such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers and uses them for their own personal gain. This is called ID Theft. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, pilfered mail, a data breach, computer virus, phishing, a scam, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business (dumpster diving). This crime varies widely, and can include check fraud, credit card fraud, financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and identity fraud.

If I am a victim of Identity theft, what should I do?

What to do immediately if you are avictim:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration ( fraud line) at 1.800.269.0271.
2. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1.877.438.4338. Obtain a 6 page ID theft report.
3. Contact your local Police Department and make an official written report that you are avictim of " Identity Theft"
4. Contact each of the following credit bureaus Fraud Divisions: 
5. Equifax Fraud Division: 1.800.525.6285
6. Experian Fraud Division: 1.888.397.3742
7. TransUnion Fraud Division: 1.800.680.7289
8. Check your credit report every month for 6 months.
9. Check your credit report once a year for your entire life.
10. To get your FREE yearly credit report go to www.annualcreditreport.com 
11. Go to www.idtheftcenter.org for more information.