WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN: |
| We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed by stealing a name, address,
Social Security number, credit cards, etc. Within a week of stealing such information, thieves
can (and have) ordered expensive monthly cell phone packages, applied for a VISA credit cards,
had credit lines approved to make high-dollar purchases-- even received PIN numbers from DMVs to
change victims' driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know: We have been told we should cancel your credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. In this way you will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was lost or stolen; this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation. But here's what is perhaps most important: Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your
name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. There are
records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases.
© 2006 Richland County Sheriff's Department |