Victim of Identity Theft

If you become a victim, some recommendations include:

  • Set up a folder to keep a detailed history of the crime
  • Maintain a log of all your contacts, phone numbers, the time you spend on this matter and make copies of all documents
  • Contact all creditors, by phone and in writing to inform them of the problem
  • Notify the U.S. Postal Inspector if your mail has been stolen or tampered with

Federal Trade Commission

Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the problem. The FTC is the federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of identity theft. They provide information to help resolve financial and other problems that may result from identity theft. Their hotline telephone number is 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).

Credit Card Companies

Notify the credit card companies sending you bills that your identity was stolen.

By Phone

  • Visa: 800-367-8472
  • Mastercard: 800-231-1750
  • Discover: 800-347-7466
  • American Express: 800-528-2121
  • Diners: 800-234-6377

By Mail: 

A Sample Courtesy Notice has been provided:

(Date)

Dear (Creditor Name / Collection Agency Name):

On (Date), I received your letter demanding payment of (dollar amount). I did not open this account and incur this unpaid balance. Someone, other than me, wrongfully used my personal information to obtain a line of credit / service. Your company extended a line of credit / services to someone other than myself. Your company is a crime victim and should file a police report with the appropriate jurisdiction(s).

You are hereby notified that on (Date), I filed an identity theft report with the Tustin Police Department. The case Number is ___-__________. For information on obtaining a copy, call the Tustin Police Department at 714-573-3200.

(Closing),
(Your name and address)

Credit Bureaus

Call each of the three credit bureaus' fraud units to report identity theft. You may request to have a "Fraud Alert / Victim Impact" statement placed in your credit file asking that creditors call you personally before authorizing the opening any new credit accounts.

Credit Report

Request that a copy of your credit report be mailed to you. This is free to ID theft victims. At least one of the credit bureaus will do this, free of charge, to ID theft victims for life.

  • Equifax
    P.O. Box 740241
    Atlanta, Georgia 30374
    Order Your Report Phone: 800-685-1111
    Report Fraud Phone: 800-525-6285
    Stop Pre-Approved Credit Offers Phone: 888-567-8688
  • Experian
    P.O. Box 9595
    Allen, Texas 75013
    Order Your Report Phone: 888-397-3742
    Report Fraud Phone: 888-397-3742
    Stop Pre-Approved Credit Offers Phone: 800-353-0809
  • TransUnion
    P.O. Box 6790
    Tustin, CA 92834
    Order Your Report Phone: 800-916-8800
    Report Fraud Phone: 800-680-7289
    Stop Pre-Approved Credit Offers Phone: 800-680-7293

Banks

Alert your banks to flag your accounts and contact you to confirm any unusual activity. Request a change of PIN and a new password.

Stolen Checks

Report stolen checks or bank accounts that were set up fraudulently to the following companies:

  • National Check Fraud Service: 843-571-2143
  • SCAN: 800-262-7771
  • TeleCheck: 800-710-9898 or 927-0188
  • CheckRite: 800-766-2748
  • CrossCheck: 707-586-0551
  • Equifax Check Systems: 800-437-5120
  • International Check Services: 800-526-5380

Social Security Fraud Hotline

Contact the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Contact the state office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if another license was issued in your name. If so, request a new license number by calling the DMV Fraud Hot-Line at 866-658-5758.

Evidence

  • Gather all documents and supply them to the Tustin Police Department at the time of the initial report or supplemental report.
  • What is the financial loss to you and where did this occur? Attach all supporting documentation.

Additional steps

To prevent further damage if your credit cards or bank accounts have been compromised, immediately notify your financial institutions. Victims of identity theft are encouraged to notify the major credit reporting agencies of the incident. This will help protect your credit if your identity has been compromised.

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