Resources for Combating Identity Theft

If you or someone you know has become an identity theft victim, the FTC recommends the following steps:

1. Make a fraud alert. Contact the three major credit houses and place a fraud alert on your accounts.
   
1. Equifax (800.525.6285; www.equifax.com)
2. Experian (888.397.3742; www.experian.com)
   
3. TransUnion (800.680.7289; www.transunion.com)
2. Close affected accounts. If you know of an account that has been fradulently opened in your name, close it. Use new PIN numbers when you open new accounts.
3. File a police report. Send a copy of the report to your creditors to show proof of a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of the report for your files.
4. File a complaint with the FTC. The FTC provides assistance to victims of identity theft and provides a free credit report. Contact the FTC Consumer Response Center at 877.438.4338.

Here are 3 additional links for finding out more about Identity Theft:

• Federal Trade Commission. Download the booklet ID Theft: What It's All About at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.
• US Deptartment of Justice. View the list of articles on ID Theft.
• FBI Internet Complaint Center. You can file an identity theft complaint at www.ifccfbi.gov online.