Identity theft:

What to do if it happens to you

      This article appeared in the Spring, 2002 issue of the Mature Life newsletter.  Mature Life is published quarterly by Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging.  Senior Connections is a private, non-profit organization serving older persons and their families in Henrico County.  The publication is distributed at no charge, and interested readers may subscribe by calling (804)343-3000 or write the agency at 24 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA, 23219.

Consumer Alert:

How to Resolve a Problem of Stolen Identity

     Don’t remember opening that credit card account?  Never bought those items you are being billed for?  This could be a case of stolen identity where someone used your name and personal information to commit fraud.  How do you resolve the problem or prevent it from happening altogether?

     Several important pieces of information an imposter will use is your name, Social Security number, credit card number, and any other personal information they can obtain without your knowledge.  The biggest problem with this type of crime is that you may not know your identity has been stolen.  Until you notice something is amiss, such as bills for credit card accounts you didn’t open or bad credit reports in your name, you may not be aware you are a victim.  Some other indications are missed billing cycles where you did not receive a statement, or you may see changes on your bill that you did not request or authorize.

     If you suspect someone has stolen your identity, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends three important steps to take immediately:

     1. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.  You will also want to ask them for copies of your credit reports and bureaus must provide a free copy to you if your report is inaccurate because of fraud.  You will need to review the reports closely to check for other fraudulent accounts in your name or other unauthorized changes.  In a few months, you should order new copies of your reports to make sure the corrections have been made and no new fraudulent activity has occurred.

     2. Contact creditors to identify any personal accounts that have been altered or opened fraudulently.  You should state your complaints by writing a letter to resolve errors on credit billing statements including charges you have not made.

     3. File a report with local police or police in the community where the identity theft took place.  Keep a copy of the police report in case creditors need proof of the crime.

     You should also contact the FTC to file a complaint if you have been a victim of identity theft by calling 1-877-438-4338 or TDD at 202-326-2502. You can file a complaint in writing to Identify Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC  20580.

     It is important to recognize actions that are a threat for identity theft.  If someone has stolen your mail to access information about income taxes, credit card accounts, bank accounts, or pre-approved credit offers, you should report it to your local postal inspector.  Stolen mail can be used by a thief to falsify information such as a change-of-address.

     If you discover someone has changed a billing address on an account, close the account. When you open a new account, ask that a password protection procedure be used for any account inquiries or changes.  Avoid using the same password or same Personal Identification Number (PIN) on all accounts. Order a copy of your credit report from each credit bureau every year and check the report for accuracy.  This is also a good idea if you are considering a major purchase such as a house or car.

     If you have reason to believe that someone other than yourself has accessed your bank account either through checking or an ATM card, close the account immediately.    For newly opened accounts, insist on password-only access.   If your check or ATM card has been stolen or misused, stop payment on all checks or cancel the ATM card and order a new one with a new PIN.

     If it appears that someone is using your Social Security number to apply for a job, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 to check your Social Security statement and verify reported earnings under your name.

     You can take control of an identity theft situation and prevent it from occurring by staying alert.   To learn more about identity theft, ask for a free consumer guide entitled, Identity Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name.  You may obtain the guide by writing to the FTC at the above address.

Source:  Federal Trade Commission