Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America today. Here are some of the things you should do immediately after you discover you are a victim.

    File a police report, and if possible, an Affidavit of Forgery (the police don’t always       do this) and obtain a copy.
    Cancel all credit card accounts
    Contact all three credit bureaus to put "Fraud Alert" in your file
           Equifax – 800-525-6285
           Experian – 888-397-3742 (long voice mail however)
           Trans Union – 800-680-7289
    If checks are stolen, alert your bank and close checking account
    Check with the Post Office to see if someone has submitted a fraudulent "change       of address" card. If so, contact your Postal Inspector, get mail re-forwarded back       to you and contact the Police.
    If someone is using your Social Security Number, call the Social Security       Administration Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271
    Notify the Passport Office for someone who may try to use your social security number to obtain a new passport
    Call each creditor, ask for the Fraud Department and fax over a copy of the Police       Report and Affidavit of Forgery
    Obtain letters from your creditors that you are not being held responsible for the       charges incurred on the accounts and send them over to the credit bureau as well.

TIPS ON PREVENTING ALL KINDS OF ID THEFT

   Call the Credit Reporting Agencies "OPT OUT" phone number at 888-567-8688.      (This is an automated number that feeds directly to all 3 credit bureaus and lets       you "opt out" for at least a year.)
   Don’t lend your credit card to anyone. If you have other family members living with      you, keep your papers in a locked desk or drawer.
   Use an "auto payment system" to pay your bills so checks cannot be stolen in the      mailing process
   Don’t give our your Social Security number.
   Don’t print your Social Security Number on your checks and don’t put your phone      number when you sign a credit card receipt
   Limit credit cards to only two
   Don’t carry your Social Security Card or birth certificate around with you
   Cancel all unused credit cards—in writing

Check your credit report with all 3 credit bureaus at least once per year. This report is provided to you FREE.

In most cases of Identity Theft, the victim knows the perpetrator. It is frequently a family member, a co-worker who has access to personal information, a roommate or an ex-spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend seeking revenge.
"Personal Fraud" is more common than fraud perpetrated by the Giant ID Theft ring that you read about in the newspapers.

Copyright: Mari Gottdiener, Attorney, & President of Outsource Solutions.
She specializes in identity theft issues and you can reach her at www.outsolve.com or 800-810-2739.

Written By: Mari Gottdiener