Identity Theft: what you can do - PSA

After returning from Las Vegas recently, I checked my credit card account online and almost had a heart attack when I noticed $8000 in pending charges. My first thought was some scumbag clerk or wait staff in Vegas had lifted my number and went to town. So I called the credit card company and learned that no, no credit card fraud, just my school accidently done multiple charges for the one tuition bill - and those pending repeat charges would just fall off eventually, not to worry. They have in the mean time, but thank goodness I called!

Short-story-long, my first thought was that this was a case of identity theft, which is BIG business and costs victims not only financially, but in hassle and time lost trying to correct the situation. Coincidentally, I had done a presentation last semester on identity theft and had put together a list of steps & contacts of what to do if you're victimized. Below is that list with links to government agencies' websites for more information and to submit a report online.

-----------
What should you do if you think your identity has been stolen?

1. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
· By phone (FTC identity theft hotline): 1-877-438-4338
· Online: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations.

2. Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus:
· Equifax: 800-525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250
· Experian: 888-397-3742, fax to 800-301-7196, or write to P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013.
· Trans Union: 800-680-7289 or write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634

The credit bureaus will place a fraud alert on your credit file, requesting creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. Once the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will automatically be notified to place fraud alerts. All three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

3. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

4. File a police report.

5. Submit a copy of the report to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

6. Call IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you think your identity has been stolen and used inappropriately for tax purposes.

Sources: IRS, FTC, DOJ