Guard Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. Identity thieves steal personal information like credit card account numbers, Social Security numbers (SSNs), names and telephone numbers to commit fraud.

For example, they may steal your wallet or rummage through your trash looking for confidential information. Using the information they find, identity thieves could buy a car by taking out an auto loan in your name, charge items on your credit card, counterfeit checks or set up phone service using your name, all without you knowing about it.

Take These Steps to Avoid Becoming a Victim:

What To Do if You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime. Victims can spend months or years and thousands of dollars cleaning up the mess. They may lose job opportunities, be refused loans or even be arrested for crimes they didn’t commit.

If you suspect that your personal information has been hijacked, take action immediately and keep a record of all conversations and correspondence. Three basic actions are appropriate in almost every case.

1. Contact the fraud departments at the three major credit bureaus. Inform the fraud departments that you are an identity theft victim. (See the list of credit bureaus at the bottom of this page). Ask that a “fraud alert” be placed in your file, as well as a victim’s statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing existing accounts.
   Also order copies of your credit reports. Credit bureaus must give consumers a free copy if their report is inaccurate because of fraud and if the request is made in writing. Review the reports for new accounts or changes to existing accounts.
2. Close any affected accounts, cancel ATM cards and stop payment on checks. Close all accounts that may have been tampered with or opened without your consent. This includes credit cards and accounts with utilities and other service providers. When opening new accounts, create new PINs and passwords.
   If an identity thief has opened a new, unauthorized account, or made unauthorized charges on an existing account, ask the company for its fraud dispute form. Many companies will accept the Federal Trade Commissions ID Theft Affidavit, which is available online at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
   If your ATM card has been lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised, cancel the card immediately and get a new one with a new PIN.
   If your checks have been stolen or misused, close your checking account, stop payment on stolen checks and ask us at the credit union to notify our check verification service. You must take reasonable care of accounts in order to detect forgeries. Unless we are notified in a timely manner that a check is lost or stolen, you may still be liable for a forgery.
3. Contact major check verification companies directly for the following services:
   Request that the check verification company notify retailers not to accept checks
   • TeleCheck: (800) 710-9898 or 927-0188
   • Certegy, Inc. (previously Equifax Check Systems): (800) 437-5120
   • International Check Services: (800) 631-9656
   • Find out if an identity thief has been passing bad checks in your name: SCAN: (800) 262-7771
4. Report ID theft to the local police or to the police in the community where the theft occurred. It’s in your best interest to furnish as much documentation as possible. Debt collection letters, credit reports, a copy of the FTCs ID Theft Affidavit and other evidence of fraudulent activity can help the police file a complete report.
   Get a copy of the police report in case the credit union, credit card company or others need proof of the crime. Even if the police can’t catch the identity thief, having a copy of the police report can help you deal with creditors.
5. Be persistent. Local authorities may say that they can’t take a report. Stress to authorities the importance of a police report; many creditors require one to resolve the dispute. Credit bureaus will block the fraudulent accounts and bad debts from appearing on your credit report, but only if you can give them a copy of the police report. If you can’t get the local police to take a report, try the county sheriffs office.

The Proof is in the Credit Report

Catching inaccuracies on credit reports is the most common way consumers find out that they’re victims of identity theft.  Members can order a copy of their credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus every year. Members should be sure that each report is accurate and includes only activities they’ve authorized. Credit bureaus may charge several dollars for a credit report.