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Introduction

Tips to safeguard your good name

What to do if your personal information has been compromised

Where to file a complaint

2007 data breaches

Comparison of ID theft protection programs

Safegaurd your PINs

ATM safety

Email & web site safety

Identity Theft

Introduction


Quick Facts
 

It's important to protect your personal information, and to take certain steps quickly to minimize the potential damage from identity theft if your information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen:

 

Close compromised credit card accounts immediately.

 

If someone steals your social security number (SSN), contact one of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies and place an initial fraud alert on your credit reports.

 

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

 

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013

 

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

 

Monitor your credit report. Keep in mind that fraudulent activity may not show up right away.

Consult with your financial institution about handling the effects on bank or brokerage accounts.

Contact relevant government agencies to cancel and replace any stolen drivers licenses or other identification documents, and to flag your file.

 

Watch for signs of identity theft: late or missing bills, receiving credit cards that you didn't apply for, being denied credit or offered less favorable terms for no apparent reason, or getting contacted by debt collectors or others about purchases you didn't make.