Identity Theft
This guide provides victims of Identity Theft with the major resources to contact. Victims themselves have the ability to assist greatly with resolving their case. It is important to act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage.
In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, times, names, and phone numbers. Note the time spent and any expenses incurred. Confirm conversations in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep copies of all letters and documents.
Once you discover your are a victim of Identity Theft you should notify the following:
Credit Bureaus
Immediately call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies–Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union. Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers. The phone numbers are provided at the end of this brochure. Ask that your account be flagged.
Also, add a victim’s statement to your report, up to 100 words. (“My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at (your telephone number) to verify all applications.”)
Be sure to ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your account, and how you can extend it if necessary. Be aware that these measures may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened by the imposter. Ask the credit bureaus in writing to provide you with a free copy every few months so you can monitor your credit report.
Ask the credit bureaus for names and phone numbers of credit grantors with whom fraudulent accounts have been opened. Ask the credit bureaus to remove the inquiries that have been generated due to the fraudulent access. You may also ask the credit bureaus to notify those who have received your credit report in the last six months in order to alert them to the disputed and erroneous information (two years for employers).
Creditors
Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently–by phone and in writing. Get replacement cards with new account numbers for your own accounts that have been used fraudulently. Ask that old accounts be processed as “account closed at consumer’s request.” (This is better than “card lost or stolen” when this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.) Carefully monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity. Report it immediately to credit grantors.
Creditors requirement to report fraud. You may be asked by banks and credit grantors to fill out and notarize fraud affidavits, which could become costly. The law does not require that a notarized affidavit be provided to creditors. A written statement and supporting documentation should be enough (unless the creditor offers to pay for the notary).
Law Enforcement
Report the crime to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in your case. Give them as much documented evidence as possible. Get a copy of your police report. Keep the report number of your police report handy and give it to creditors and others who require verification of your case.
Credit card companies and banks may require you to show the report to verify the crime. Some police departments have been known to resist writing reports on such crimes. Prior to January 1st, 1998, the creditors (credit card companies, banks, etc.) were the only “legal” victims of Credit Fraud/Identity Theft.
Some police departments have not yet received training in the new laws of Identity Theft. Be persistent!
Bank/Financial Institutions
If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies. Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers. Give the bank a secret password for your account (not your mother’s maiden name).
ATM Cards. If your ATM card has been stolen or is compromised, get a new card, account number, and password. Do not use your old password. When creating a password, don’t use common numbers like the last four digits of your social security number or your birth date.
U.S. Postal Inspector
Notify the local Postal Inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud. Find out where the fraudulent credit cards were sent.
Notify the local Postmaster for the address to forward all mail in your name to your own address. You may also need to talk to the mail carrier.
Social Security Administration
Call the Social Security Administration to report fraudulent use of your social security number. As a last resort, you might want to change the number. The Social Security Administration will only change it if you fit their fraud victim criteria. Also order a copy of your Earnings and Benefits Statement and check it for accuracy.
Passport Office
If you have a passport, notify the passport office in writing to be on the lookout for anyone ordering a new passport fraudulently.
Telephone Company
If your long distance calling card has been stolen or you discover fraudulent charges on your bill, cancel the account and open a new one. Provide a password which must be used anytime the account is changed.
Illinois Secretary of State or Other State Department
You may need to change your drivers license number if someone is using yours as identification on bad checks or other fraudulent activities. If you possess an Illinois driver’s license, call the Illinois Secretary of State. If you possess a driver’s license from another state contact to state office responsible for issuing your driver’s license. Determine if another license was issued in your name.
Follow all instructions provided.
Civil Courts, Illinois State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Sometimes victims of Identity Theft are wrongfully accused of crimes committed by the imposter. If a civil judgment has been entered in your name for actions taken by your imposter, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft. If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact Illinois State Police and the FBI. Ask how to clear your name.