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Steps to Take if
Your Data Becomes
Compromised or Stolen
 Credit Reporting Agencies
If you have reason to believe your personal information has been
compromised or stolen, contact the Fraud Department of one of
the three major credit bureaus listed below.
When contacting the Credit Reporting Agency,
you should request the following:
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Instruct them to flag your file with a fraud
alert including a statement that creditors should get your
permission before opening any new accounts in your name.
-
Ask them for copies of your credit report(s). (Credit
bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if it is
inaccurate because of suspected fraud.) Review your
reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent
accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes
made to your existing accounts.
NOTE: In order to ensure that you are issued free credit
reports, we strongly encourage you to contact the agencies
DIRECT LINE (listed above) for reporting fraud. We do not
recommend that you order your credit report online.
-
Be diligent in following up on your accounts.
In the months following an incident, order new copies of your
reports to verify your corrections and changes, and to make
sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
-
If you find that any accounts have been
tampered with or opened fraudulently, close them immediately.
To ensure that you do not become responsible for any debts or
charges, use the ID Theft Affidavit Form developed by the
Federal Trade Commission to help make your case with
creditors.
Social Security Administration
SSA Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
http://www.ssa.gov/
If you are the victim of a stolen Social Security number, the SSA
can provide information on how to report the fraudulent use of
your number and how to correct your earnings record. We
encourage you to contact the Fraud Hotline immediately
once you suspect identity theft.
The website also provides tips on using and securing your Social
Security number. Visit the SSA website for advice on
keeping your number safe.
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ID Theft Clearinghouse
1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
Call the ID
Theft Clearinghouse toll free at to report identity theft.
Counselors will take your complaint and advise you how to deal
with the credit-related problems that could result from identity
theft.
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Local Law Enforcement
It is important that you report identity theft to your local police
department as soon as you become aware that you are a victim.
Get a copy of the police report which will assist you when
notifying creditors, credit reporting agencies and if necessary,
the Social Security Administration (SSA).
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