Identity Theft

Alert behavior can help you avoid trouble

Identity theft is an all-too-common crimes that involves someone using your personal or financial information without your consent. You can monitor activity by ordering a free credit report every year.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs

• Credit card and account statements are delayed in the mail
• You're denied credit for no reason
• You receive bills for purchases you never made
• Collection agencies try to collect on debts you didn't incur
• Credit reports show new, unauthorized accounts

Take Swift Action if You're a Victim

• Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting a major credit reporting bureau (Trans Union, Experian, or Equifax), which will then notify the other bureaus
• Alert affected businesses over the phone and in writing, and close tampered accounts or those opened without your consent
• File a police report and request a copy for yourself because you may need it for businesses requiring proof of the crime
• Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission