[amc] Credit and Identity Protection Resources
- From: wseverin1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Werner J. Severin)
- To: amc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 07:29:26 -0500
Credit and Identity Protection Resources
Data theft occurs when someone obtains key pieces of
your personal identifying information. Identity Theft
occurs when that information is used for any
fraudulent or other unlawful purpose. The unlawful
acquisition of personal identifying information does
not necessarily mean that identity theft has occurred.
This distinction is important when considering any
actions you might wish to make to the disclosure of
your Social Security number.
Responding to Data Theft
One proactive measure to consider is placing a "fraud
alert" on your file with the three major credit
bureaus. This free service requests that any creditor
contact you by phone at a designated number before
opening a new account. The time an alert stays on your
record varies for each credit bureau; however, you can
request that the fraud alert be reinstated after the
initial period has ended. In addition, you should
qualify for a free copy of your credit report. Review
your credit reports carefully to ensure no fraudulent
accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized
changes made to your existing accounts.
If you have reason to believe your personal
information has been compromised or stolen, contact
the Fraud Department of one of the three major credit
bureaus listed below.
When contacting the Credit Reporting Agency to report
that your data has been compromised, take the
following actions:
Instruct them to flag your file with a fraud alert
including a statement that creditors should get your
permission before opening any new accounts in your
name.
Ask them for copies of your credit report(s). (Credit
bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if it
is inaccurate because of suspected fraud.) Review your
reports carefully to make sure no additional
fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or
unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts.
NOTE: In order to ensure that you are issued free
credit reports, we strongly encourage you to contact
the agencies DIRECT LINE (listed above) for reporting
fraud. We do not recommend that you order your credit
report online.
Be diligent in following up on your accounts. In the
months following an incident, order new copies of your
reports to verify your corrections and changes, and to
make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
If you find that any accounts have been tampered with
or opened fraudulently, close them immediately. To
ensure that you do not become responsible for any
debts or charges, use the ID Theft Affidavit Form
developed by the Federal Trade Commission
to help make your case with creditors.
Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
800-525-6285
Fraud Division
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374
Direct line for requesting credit report:
800-685-1111 / 888-766-0008
http:www.equifax.com
Experian
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud and
requesting credit report:
888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
Credit Fraud Center
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
http://www.experian.com
Trans Union
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
800-680-7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
Direct line for requesting credit report:
800-916-8800 / 800-680-7289
http://www.transunion.com
Responding to Identity Theft
If you find that you have been a victim of identity
theft after reviewing your credit report, contact the
following resources:
Social Security Administration
SSA Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
http://www.ssa.gov/
If you are the victim of a stolen Social Security
number, the SSA can provide information on how to
report the fraudulent use of your number and how to
correct your earnings record.
The website also provides tips on using and securing
your Social Security number. Visit the SSA website for
advice on keeping your number safe.
ID Theft Clearinghouse
1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll free to report
identity theft. Counselors will take your complaint
and advise you how to deal with the credit-related
problems that could result from identity theft.
Local Law Enforcement
It is important that you report identity theft to your
local police department as soon as you become aware
that you are a victim. Get a copy of the police report
which will assist you when notifying creditors, credit
reporting agencies and if necessary, the Social
Security Administration (SSA).
Additional Resources
The following links provide detailed information
related to identity theft and protecting yourself.
Department of Justice
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
Federal Trade Commission
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - Identity Theft
Resources
http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
National Fraud Information Center Hotline:
800-876-7060
Identity Theft Resource Center: 858-693-7935
Werner J. Severin
3108 Silverleaf Drive
Austin, Tx. 78757-1611
(512) 452-5080
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Austin Mennonite Church, (512) 926-3121 www.mennochurch.org
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