How To Respond to Identify Theft

Below are the steps to consider if you’re a victim of Identity Theft.

1. Contact your financial institution and credit card providers. If banking information is exposed, consider closing the account and opening a new one. If card information is used or exposed, consider canceling the card. Review your account history for unauthorized activity and request your account be flagged for ID Theft. 
2. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus. Consider placing a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze on your credit file. A Fraud Alert will prompt lenders and creditors to contact you before establishing credit. A Credit Freeze will prevent most lenders from obtaining your credit report until the freeze is removed. 
   • Equifax – www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services or 800-685-1111 
   • Experian – www.experian.com/help or 888-397-3742 
   • TransUnion – www.transUnion.com/credit-help or 888-909-8872 
3. Review your credit history for unauthorized activity and if unauthorized activity is detected, contact the creditors directly to report you have been the victim of Identity theft. Dispute any activity on your credit report that is the result of fraud. 
4. File an Identity Theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Hotline at www.identitytheft.gov or by phone at 877-438-4338. The site www.identitytheft.gov is a one stop resource for identity theft victims.
5. File a report with your local Police Department.

6. Additional Resources:

   • Social Security Administration: www.socialsecurity.gov - 800-269-0271 
   • Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov/uac/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft - 800-908-4490 
   • US Postal Inspection Service: www.uspis.gov/report  
   • FBI Internet Fraud Complaint: www.IC3.gov 
7. Credit Monitoring Services – Consider taking advantage of free credit monitoring services offered by the major credit bureaus which alert you to inquiries and other changes to your credit history. There are also several reputable companies offering standard and premium credit monitoring services for a fee. These premium services may include monitoring the dark web for your personal information, email or other credentials.