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 ------- Austin Mennonite Church, (512) 926-3121 www.mennochurch.org To unsubscribe: use subject "unsubscribe" sent to amc-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx