What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name or personal information, such as your Social Security Number, driver's license number, credit card number, telephone number, or other account numbers, without your permission. Identity thieves use this information to open credit accounts, bank accounts, telephone service accounts, and make major purchases -- all in your name. Information can be used to take over your existing accounts or to open new accounts. Identity theft can result in damage to your credit rating and denials of credit and job offers.

Protecting Your Identity

While there is no guarantee that your identity will never be stolen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk.

- Do not give your Social Security number to people or companies that you do not know.

- Before disclosing any personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.

- Shred information you no longer need that contains personally identifiable information and account numbers. For Example: credit card receipts, billing statements, and pre-approved credit card offers should be shredded before you discard them.

- Guard your mail from theft. Promptly remove your incoming mail from your mailbox and place outgoing mail in post office collection boxes. Install a locking mailbox if mail theft is a problem in your neighborhood.

- Keep personal information you have at home and at work in a safe place.

- Do not carry extra credit cards, your birth certificate or passport, or other cards that display your Social Security number in your wallet or purse, except when necessary.

- Create unique passwords and PINs and avoid using a mother's maiden name, date of birth or last four digits of your Social Security number. Use passwords on your banking and brokerage accounts.

- Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies at least once a year. Review the reports to be sure no one else is using your identity to open new accounts or using your existing accounts.

If You're a Victim

Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus.

Request that a fraud alert be placed on your file and include a statement that creditors must get your permission before any new accounts are opened in your name. Get a copy of your credit report from each credit bureau so that you can dispute any inaccurate information. Check your reports every 6 months.

Contact All the Creditors Involved

Let them know that your accounts may have been used without your permission, or that new accounts have been opened in your name. If your accounts have been used fraudulently, ask that new cards and account numbers be issued to you. Check your billing statements carefully and report any fraudulent activity immediately. Many banks and creditors accept the ID Theft Affidavit available at: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft, to dispute the fraudulent claims.

File a Police Report

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

Contact the Federal Trade Commission

The FTC provides useful information to identity theft victims and maintains a database of identity theft cases for use by law enforcement agencies. File a report with the FTC by calling the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at (877) IDTHEFT (483-4338); by mail, Identity Theft Clearing House, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington DC 20580; or online at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft. You may request a copy of the publication, ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name.

Keep a Record of Your Contacts

Start a file with copies of your credit reports, the police reports, any correspondence, and copies of disputed bills. It is also useful to keep a log of your conversations with creditors, law enforcement officials, and other relevant parties. Follow up phone calls in writing and send all correspondence certified, return receipt requested.

(Information courtesy of GA Better Business Bureau)

Request Your Credit Report

Equifax
Online:http://www.equifax.com
Phone: 1 (800) 685-1111
This is a toll-free, automated call. The system automatically will not charge Georgia residents for up to two reports a year.
Mail: Equifax, PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374

Experian
Online:http://www.experian.com
Phone: 1 (800) 397-3742
This is a toll-free, automated call. The system automatically will not charge Georgia residents for up to two reports a year.
Mail: Equifax, PO Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
Online:http://www.transunion.com
Phone: 1 (800) 888-4213