Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

Act Quickly

If you think your identity has been stolen, here's what to do now:

  • Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other 2 credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all 3 credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.
Credit Bureau Name
Telephone Number
Mailing Address
Website
Equifax
800-525-6285P.O. Box 74024
Atlanta, GA 30374
Equifax Website
Experian
800-301-7195P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
Experian Website
Trans Union
800-680-7289P.O. Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064
Trans Union Website
  • Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts.
  • File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
  • File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps us learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that we can better assist you.