How can someone steal your identity? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT
Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus, report the theft, and ask that a “fraud alert” be placed on their file and that no new credit be granted without their approval. (See table below for periods of coverage.)

• Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

• Experian: 1-888-397-7289

• For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions. Close these accounts. Put passwords (not mother’s maiden name or Social Security number) on any new accounts they open.

• File a report with local police or the police where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime later.

• Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-877-438-4338 to report the theft.

• Counselors will take their complaint and advise them on how to deal with the credit related problems that could result from ID theft.

• The Identity Theft Hotline and the ID Theft Website ( http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft ) give consumers on place to report the theft to the federal government and receive helpful information.

What to do if it happens to you.

• Notify the police, banks, loan agencies, and creditors.

• Get a copy of the police report and keep a record of all contacts with legal and financial institutions.

• Ask creditors to call in an alert if any new charges are added.

• Cancel all credit cards, bank accounts, PIN numbers and passwords.

• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271 to report fraud.

CONTACT CREDITORS Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently and then established passwords for those accounts you currently have.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies every year. Make sure it is accurate and includes only those activities you've authorized. The law allows credit bureaus to charge you up to $9.00 for a copy of your credit report.

Credit Bureaus

• Equifax — www.equifax.com
  To order your report, call: 1-800-685-1111
  or write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
  To report fraud, call: 1-800-525-6285
  and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

• Experian — www.experian.com
  To order your report, call: 1-888-EXPER1AN (397-3742)
  or write: P.O. Box 2104, Alien TX 75013
  To report fraud, call: 1-888-EXPER1AN (397-3742)
  and write: P.O. Box 9532, Alien TX 75013

• TransUnion — www.transunion.com
  To order your report, call: 800-916-8800
  or write: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022.
  To report fraud, call: 1-800-680-7289
  and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790