If you have been a victim of Identity Theft or have had your wallet/purse stolen with valuable information (such as Social Security Cards, Drivers License, Credit/Debit Cards, etc.) the following procedures should be followed:
· Contact your local police department and file a report
· Make sure to get a copy of your police report and/or the case number
· Contact the Department of Public Safety/Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where your license was issued. In Texas, the phone number is
(512) 424-2600
· Notify all creditors and merchants of your stolen credit cards
· Notify your banks/credit unions
· Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271
· Contact the Federal Trade Commission to inquire if someone has applied for credit in your name. Call 1-877-438-4338 or log onto www.consumer.gov/idtheft
· Notify the U.S. Passport Agency at 1-202-647-0518 or log onto www.travel.state.gov.passport
Tips to protect your Identity
· Shred all trash that has identifiers and account information
· Never give information over the telephone or internet unless you initiated the conversation or you know who you’re dealing with
· Remove extra information from your checks. Make the clerk or cashier ask for identification when your checks are used
· Ensure all carbon copies from credit cards are destroyed
· Check credit history and bank records frequently
· Minimize the number of credit/debit cards that you carry in the event your wallet or purse is stolen
For additional information and assistance on Frauds and Scams log onto the following websites sponsored by the Texas Attorney General’s Office:
www.texasfightsidtheft.gov/
www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/scams.shtml
Credit Bureau Information
If your identity has been stolen, contact the following credit reporting agencies and request a “fraud alert” be placed on each credit report. Also, request a copy of your free credit report to compare against your own records regarding what accounts may have been opened fraudulently.
Equifax:
P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, Ga. 30374
1-800-685-1111…credit report
1-800-525-6285...reporting of credit fraud
Website— www.equifax.com
Experian:
701 Parkway Allen, Tx. 75013
1-888-397-3742
Website— www.experian.com
Trans Union:
P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, Ca. 92634
1-800-916-8800...credit report
1-800-680-7289...reporting of credit fraud
Website-www.transunion.com
You may also subscribe to LifeLock at:
www.lifelock.com
Or call 1-800-543-3562
For additional tips on repairing credit and fraud prevention tips, log onto the following website:
http://www.creditscore.net/
Major Check Verification Companies
If you have had a check/checkbook stolen or a bank account opened fraudulently, ensure that you place a “stop payment” on any invalid or unauthorized checks, cancel your checking and savings account and obtain new numbers, and also contact the following companies:
Cartegy Inc...1-800-437-5120
SCAN...1-800-262-7771
Chexsystems...1-800-428-9623
National Processing Co. 1-800-552-1900
Telecheck...1-800-710-9898
