Reporting Identity Theft
Who do I contact to Report Identity Theft?
If you suspect you have become a Victim of Identity Theft then you should report it immediately. Below is a list of people you should contact to report your identity theft.
-one of the three major credit reporting bureaus. Ask to have a fraud alert placed on your credit report. This way before any new accounts are opened you will have to be contacted and verify that it is not someone trying to open a fraudulent account.
-Federal Trade Commission. Filing a report with the ftc is important to help track down and put a stop to the thief. The Identity Theft Affidavit can also be used to prove to creditors of the crime and serve as notice from you.
-Contact the companies where you suspect fraudulent accounts were opened. Ask to speak to someone in there fraud department. Notify them of the problem and close any accounts that were opened fraudulently or ones that you suspect might have been tampered with.
-Local Police Department. File a police report with your local police department and if they are reluctant to make a report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incident" report, or try another jurisdiction, like your state police. You can also check with your state Attorney General's office to see if the state law requires police to take a report for Identity Theft.
If someone is using your social security number to work under then you will need to contact the Social Security Administration.
Contact Information for whom you may need to contact to Report Identity Theft
Equifax: (http://www.equifax.com/), P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241; report fraud by calling (800) 525-6285
Experian: (formerly TRW, http://www.experian.com/), P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013; report fraud by calling (800) 301-7195
TransUnion: (http://www.transunion.com/), Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634; report fraud by calling (800) 680-7289
1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
Social Security Administration:
First you should contact your local Social Security Administration Office or you can call the Social Security Administration tollfree number at 1-800-772-1213 or write to:
Social Security Administration Office of Public Inquiries Windsor Park Building 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
