ID THEFT Steps to take:

[kb9tbq]

Ok, realized I have totally neglected the most important part - out lining step by step what should be done when faced with fraud...

File Police Report:

a. Very important to establish time of discovery & action on your part.

b. Always submit relevant documents relating to the case. Copies only

c. Itemize all creditors affected & properly identify them. name / account number / amount...

d. Obtain copy of the police report; if not then the file number.

e. Be persistent, local authorities may tell you they can't take a report. If that does not work suggest going to county or state police. If you're told that identity theft is not a crime under your state law, ask to file a Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.

f. If you don't have everything at that time needing to be added - that is ok, you can follow up later with additional information just be sure to obtain an updated police report at that time.

Contact Credit Reporting Agencies to activate Fraud Alert

Experian -

888-397-3742

PO Box 9532

Allen Tx, 75013

Equifax -

800-525-6285

PO Box 740241

Atlanta Ga, 30374-0241

TransUnion -

800-680-7289

Fraud Victim Assistance Department

PO Box 6790

Fullerton Ca, 92634-6790

a. When calling one credit reporting agency should activate the other 2 automatically. This is only in affect for 3 months for you to review and get disputes in order.

b. You will have a free credit report mailed out to you.

c. It will automatically opt you out from receiving junk mail cause by the credit reporting agencies selling name & addresses to creditors.

Here is further information for opting out:

Opt-Out: 1-888-567-8688

Mail Preference Service

Direct Marketing Association

Removal – Mailing Lists

PO Box 9008

Farmingdale NY 11735

Telephone Preference Service

Direct Marketing Association

Removal – Telemarketing Lists

PO Box 9014

Farmingdale NY 11735

Do Not Call Registery Site:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/donotcall/index.html

Even if you exercise all of these options for opting-out, you may continue to receive solicitations from local merchants, religious and charitable associations, professional and alumni associations, politicians and companies with whom you conduct business. To eliminate mail from these groups- as well as mail addressed to “occupant” or “resident” – write directly to each source.

To explain better about opt-out: All three credit reporting agencies on a regular basis will sale mailing lists to creditors for the purpose of soliciting various products this is how you get the pre-screened credit card offers in the mail. This is not good if you happen to move around and will result in id theft on occasion. When moving people will put in request at post office for change of address; but this forwarding, will only last one year. If there are creditors out there they mail circulation after this point – you will not know about it until to late.

Recommend that should you plan to move, at least six months prior establish a PO Box with the local post office. Forward all mail to the post office address, then wait and see which creditors slip by sending directly to the physical address. Write these creditors with the correct address. This will help catch some of them out there, and opting out hopefully will catch the rest of them.

Finally when you do opt out include all prior addresses and names ever used... can't be careful enough on this matter.

Note: Fraud alert is not a guarantee that creditors will be alerted to protect your information, or stop further fraud activity. This is a purchased product on their side - not many pay to know the fact of the matter that you have been a victim of fraud.

Recommended: To further protect yourself by writing in request for Victim Statement to be added to your credit report. Must include a copy of your phone bill - section which shows your name, address, and phone number. They will add a statement like this one: Please verify identify prior to extending credit, victim of id theft, please call ... (they will add your phone number to the credit report). This can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years, unless you write in to cancel prior to that. This will be added into the remarks section on your credit reports / creditors don't have to pay additional to see this.. if they look they will know that you want them to call prior to extending credit and should do so to further protect you!

This of course does not protect you further from other types of companies - which in the course of business don't review credit reports.

Additional items of important to do:

a. Call the Federal Trade Commission - 877-438-4338 or visit their web site: www.ftc.gov to report your fraud case.

b. Also request their booklet called: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name.

c. This book contains an ID Theft Affidavit in the back which you should use.

d. Be sure to read through this book, just to make sure to problem solve if there are any other organizations which may be relevant for you to contact.

Review your Credit Report:

a. Make note of all creditors affected by the fraudulent activity.

b. Write back dispute; noting who these creditors are and exactly why you are disputing and what you want done in the matter.

c. Forward copy of police report

d. Forward copy of id theft affidavit

Contacting Creditors / Collection Agencies:

a. Contact immediately as soon as you know they have been affected by the fraud.

b. Inform them immediately to close account. Change pin number / password protect and tell them you don't want them sharing your information with anyone unless it is law enforcement opt-out and include their affiliates.

b. Ask for their address specifically for their: Fraud Department.

c. By writing send in your dispute, copy of police report (or file number with contact information to the exact police department involved in the case); and a copy of your id theft affidavit.

d. Some creditors will require further steps be taken, including their own id theft affidavit. Be sure to complete and follow up with what they ask or provide.

e. Be sure to follow up all leads provided in this matter, ask questions, and research the matter if you know something to be important... finding the person responsible is just as important.

Other directions may include: Information also contained in FTC booklet

Contact these companies concerning bank fraud: If you're not sure which of the agencies listed below has jurisdiction over your institution, call your bank or visit www.ffiec.gov/enforcement.htm

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

www.fdic.gov

The FDIC supervises state-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System and insures deposits at banks and savings and loans.

800-934-3342

Division of Compliance and Consumer Affairs

550 17th Street NW

Washington, DC 20429

Federal Reserve System (Fed)

www.federalreserve.gov

The Fed supervises state-chartered banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System.

202-452-3693

Division of Consumer and Community Affairs

Mail Stop 801 Federal Reserve Board

Washington, DC 20551

National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)

www.ncua.gov

The NCUA charters and supervises federal credit unions and insures deposits at federal credit unions and many state credit unions.

703-518-6360

Compliance Officer, National Credit Union Administration

1775 Duke Street

Alexandria VA, 22314

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

www.occ.treas.gov

The OCC charters and supervises national banks. If the word "National" appears in the name of a bank, or the initials "N.A." follow its name, the OCC oversees its operations.

800-613-6743

Customer Assistance Group

1301 McKinney Street, Suite 3710

Houston TX, 77010

Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS)

www.ots.treas.gov

The OTS is the primary regulator of all federal, and many state-chartered, thrift institutions, which include savings banks and savings and loan institutions.

202-906-6000

Office of Thrift Supervision

1700 G Street NW

Washington DC, 20552

There is more great information in the FTC provided book, but it is a great start for understanding your rights in these matters.

[kb9tbq]

ATM Cards:

If your ATM card has been lost or stolen or otherwise compromised, cancel the card as soon as you can. Get a new card with a new PIN.

a. If you report your ATM card lost or stolen within two business days of discovering the loss or theft, your losses are limited to $50.

b. If you report your ATM card lost or stolen after the two business days, but within 60 days after a statement showing an unauthorized electronic fund transfer, you can be liable for up to $500 of what a thief withdrawals.

c. If you wait more then 60 days, you could lose all the money that was taken from your account from the end of the 60 days to the time you reported your card missing.

Note: After receiving notification about an error on your statement, the financial institution generally has 10 business days to investigate. The institution must tell you the results of its investigation within three business days after completing it and must correct an error within one business day after determining that the error has occurred. If the institution needs more time, it may take up to 45 days to complete the investigation - but only if the money in dispute is returned to your account and you are notified promptly of the credit. At the end of the investigation, if no error has been found, the institution may take the money back if it sends you written explanation.

NOTE: VISA & MasterCard voluntarily have agreed to limit consumers' liability for unauthorized use of their debt cards in most instances to $50 per card, no matter how much time has elapsed since the discovery of the loss or theft of the card.

Checks:

If your checks have been stolen or misused; stop payment and ask your bank to notify the check verification service with which it does business. While no federal law limits your losses if someone steals your checks and forges your signature, state laws may protect you. Most state hold banks responsible for losses from a forged check. You can contact major check verification companies directly:

TeleCheck:

800-710-9898

800-927-0188

Certegy, Inc (previously Equifax Check Systems):

800-437-5120

International Check Services:

800-631-9656

To find out if the identity thief has been passing bad checks in your name call:

SCAN:

800-262-7771

Note: Follow up all calls in writing, send letter certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep copies for your files.

To protect your rights under law, contact both the credit bureau and the information provider.

1. First call the credit bureau, then follow up in writing - only send copies of documentation (police report / id theft affidavit) and any paperwork form the creditor.

2. Provide complete name, address, social security number, date of birth, and copy of drivers license.

3. Good idea to mail back copy of credit report with disputed information circled and noted in dispute letter.

a. Disputed Information that cannot be verified must be deleted from your credit file!

b. If your report contains erroneous information, the credit bureau must correct it.

c. If an item is incomplete, the credit bureau must complete it. For example, if your file shows that your have been late making payments, but fails to show that you are no longer delinquent, the credit bureau must show that you're current.

d. If your file shows an account that belongs to someone else, the credit bureau must delete it.

When the investigation is complete, the credit bureau must give you written results and, if the dispute results in a change, a free copy of your report.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Date

Your Name

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Complaint Department

Name of the Credit Bureau

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to dispute the following information in my file. The items I dispute also are circled on the attached copy of the report I received. (Identify item(s) disputed by name of source, such as creditors or tax court, and identify type of item, such as credit account, judgment, etc.)

I am a victim of identity theft, and did not make the charges(s). I am requesting that the item be blocked to correct my credit report.

Enclosed are copies of (use this sentence if applicable and describe any enclosed documentation) supporting my position. Please investigate this (these) matter(s) and block the disputed item(s) as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Truth in Lending Act limits your liability for unauthorized credit card charges to $50 per card. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)

To take advantage of the law's consumer protections, you must:

a. Write to the creditor at the "billing inquiries" not the address for sending your payments. Include your name, address, account number and a description of the fraudulent charge, including the amount and date of the error. Your letter must look something like:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Date

Your Name

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Complaint Department

Name of Creditor

Billing Inquiries

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to dispute a fraudulent (charge or debit) attributed to my account in the amount of $______. I am a victim of identity theft, and I did not make this (charge or debit). I am requesting that the (charge be removed or the debit reinstated), that any finance and other charges related to the fraudulent amount be credited as well, and that I receive an accurate statement.

Enclosed are copies of (use this sentence to describe any enclosed information, such as police report) supporting my position. Please investigate this matter and correct the fraudulent (charge or debit) as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[kb9tbq]

Bankruptcy Fraud:

U.S. Trustee (UST)

www.usdoj.gov/ust

If you believe someone has filed for bankruptcy in your name write in your name, write to the U.S. Trustee in the region where the bankruptcy was filed. A list of the U.S. Trustee Programs Regional Officers is available on the UST website or check the Blue Pages of your phone book under U.S. Government Bankruptcy Administration.

a. Provide proof of your identity

b. If appropriate the U.S. Trustee will make a criminal referral to law enforcement authorities if you provide appropriate documentation to substantiate your claim.

c. You also may file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney and/or the FBI in the city where the bankruptcy was filed.

d. You need to hire an attorney to help convince the bankruptcy court that the filing is fraudulent.

e. U.S. Trustee does not provide copies of court documents, you must obtain from the bankruptcy clerk's office for a fee.

Criminal Violations:

If wrongful criminal violations are attributed to your name, contact the arresting or citing law enforcement agency - that is the police or sheriff's department that originally arrested the person using your identity, or the court agency that issued the warrant for the arrest.

a. File an impersonation report.

b. And have your identity confirmed: The police department takes a full set of your fingerprints and your photograph, and copies any photo identification documents like your driver's license, passport or visa.

c. Ask the law enforcement agency to compare the prints and photographs with those of the imposter to establish your innocence.

d. If the arrest warrant is from a state or county other then where you live, ask your local police department to send the impersonation report to the police department in the jurisdiction where the arrest warrant, traffic citation or criminal conviction originated.

e. The law enforcement agency should then recall any warrants and issue a "clearance letter" or certificate of release (if you were arrested/booked). You'll need to keep this document with you at all times in case you're wrongly arrested.

f. Also ask the law enforcement agency to file, with the district attorney's (D.A.) office and/or court where the crime took place, the record of the follow-up investigation establishing your innocence. This will result in an amended complaint being issued.

g. Ask that the "key name," or "primary name," be changed from your name to the imposter's name (or to "John Doe" if the imposter's true identity is not known), with your name noted only as an alias.

h. Will also want to clear your name in the court records. You'll need to determine which state law(s) will help you do this and how. If your state has no formal procedure for clearing your record, contact the D.A.'s office in the county where the case was originally prosecuted. Ask the D.A.'s office for the appropriate court records needed to clear your name.

i. Contact your state DMV to find out if your driver's license is being used by the identity thief. Ask that your files be flagged for possible fraud.

j. You need to hire a criminal defense attorney to help your clear your name.

k. Contact Legal Services in your state or your local bar association for help in finding an attorney.

Fake Driver's License:

If you think your name or SSN is being used by an identity thief to get a driver's license or a non-driver's ID card, contact your DMV. If your state uses your SSN as your driver's license number as to substitute another number.

Investment Fraud:

U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)

www.sec.gov

The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Assistance serves investors who complain to the SEC about investment fraud or the mishandling of their investments by securities professionals.

www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml

SEC OFfice of Investor Education and Assistance

450 Fifth Street NW

Washington DC, 20549-0213

202-942-7040

Mail Theft:

U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect

USPIS is the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service responsible for investigating cases of identity theft. You can locate the USPIS district office nearest you by calling your local post office or checking the list at the website.

Passport Fraud:

United States Department of State (USDS)

www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

If you've lost your passport or believe it was stolen or is being used fraudulently, contact the USDS through their web site or call a local USDS office. Local field offices are listed in the Blue Pages of your telephone directory.

Phone Fraud:

Contact your service provider immediately to cancel the account and/or calling card. Open new accounts and choose new PINs. If you are having trouble getting fraudulent phone charges removed from your account or getting unauthorized account closed, contact the appropriate agency.

For local service, contact your Public Utility Commission

For cellular phones and long distance, contact the

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

www.fcc.gov

888-CALL-FCC

TTY: 888-TELL-FCC or write:

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer Information Bureau

445 12 Street SW Room 5A863

Washington DC, 20554

e-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov

Social Security Number Theft and Misuse:

The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigates cases of identity theft.

SSA Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271

Fax: 410-597-0118

SSA Fraud Hotline

PO Box 17768

Baltimore MD, 21235

e-mail: oig.hotline@ssa.gov

To verify accuracy of earnings reported on your SSN and to request a copy of your Social Security Statement

800-772-1213

SHOULD I APPLY FOR A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

Under certain circumstances, SSA may issue you a new SSN - at your request - if, after trying to resolve the problems brought on by identity theft, you continue to experience problems. Consider this option carefully. A new SSN may not resolve your identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new SSN does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old SSN with those from your new SSN. Even when the old credit information is not associated with your new SSN, the absence of any credit history under your new SSN may make it more difficult for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new SSN also would not be misused by an identity thief.

Tax Fraud:

Internal Revenues Service (IRS)

www.treas.gov/irs/ci

The IRS is responsible for administering and enforcing tax laws.

800-829-0433

Victims of identity theft who are having trouble filing their returns should call:

IRS Taxpayer Advocates Office

877-777-4778

[DocDon]

Thought I'd add this to this thread - some tips to help protect you from ID theft. I'll keep adding on to it as the ideas pop into my head.

- Invest in a paper shredder. Nothing elaborate - I got one for $15 at KMart. Shred everything that has your name and address on it, including the mailing labels on magazines you subscribe to and junk mail addressed to you directly.

- When you get mail (credit offers) with your address but someone else's name, return it to the sender and tell them they are not to process any application with that individual's name tied to your address. Demand they are to investigate how that name became associated with your address, correct it, and forward to you the results of the investigation. Failure to do so will result it the matter being forwarded to the FTC and appropriate state Attorney General. ID thieves will often use this method to gain a "drop" location for their scams.

- Opt out of everything. Along with opting out with the addresses given above, include an opt-out clause at the bottom of any written communication with anyone you do business with. The selling of personal information is big business and the less your information is floating out there, the less chance there is of it falling into the wrong hands.

- Protect your computer. If you store personal information, especially financial information on your computer, protect it. Firewalls, anti-virus, spyware / adware detection programs are a must - many are available on the web for free (ie: ZoneAlarm, Sygate Firewall, SpyBot, PestPatrol). This is especially important if you are on a broadband network - some individuals do nothing but scan for your computer's open ports - it's like leaving the back door to your home open 24-7. If you can't protect your system, do not store any personal information on it.

- Pay attention to who you do business with. Reports come out daily of large amounts of records, receipts, and files containing sensitive personal information being found in dumpsters behind businesses, medical facilities, etc. Ask what their procedures are. If in doubt, go somewhere else. Same goes for carbons (usually done for deposits for cars, hotel rooms, rental equipment)- don't let the clerk rip it up and throw it under the counter - take it with you and file it.

- File that paper. You can get a 2-drawer file cabinet just about anywhere for about $30. Make a folder for each creditor, utility, etc., and keep your cardholder agreements, policy changes, privacy notices, opt-outs, receipts, billing statements, and anything else having to do with those accounts together in the appropriate folder. I keep receipts for 1 year and shred them at the end of 12 months. Print out the payment verification page if you make online payments and file them as well. A little organization goes a long way if a problem arises - especially if you notice fraudulent activity.

- Technology can work against you. Today's technology has made it possible for a thief to obtain information on you within seconds, and distribute that information before you get home. Card "skimmers" or "fake readers", attached to the machine by criminals, record your information. These are often placed in normal-looking locations - gas pumps and ATM's. Immediately report anything that looks suspicious to the authorities. What could look like a person making a phone call may be a thief taking a picture of your credit card or ATM card with the new "picture" cell phones. Watch who's watching you when using your cards in public places.

[Radio_Guy]

Someone just sent me this and I noticed several additional ideas for protecting oneself from ID thieves.

AN ATTORNEY'S ADVICE

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just! put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you don’t have a PO Box, use your work address.

Never have your SS# printed on your checks.

You can add it if it is necessary. If you have it printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc.

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. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our 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

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do this).

3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on

your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.

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.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.

There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.

The numbers are:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

*****

Some of this data is redundant however some of it is new and worthy of a thoughtful review.

Best Wishes,

Radio_Guy

[Recovering Attorney]

Check this out from the FTC:

http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/pdf/affidavit.pdf

[veryfrustrated]

Last week my bank account showed 2 debits by a company called Masterchecks for bounced check fees. Fortunately, no checks bounced, they made a mistake, and the bank is crediting my account. I don't know if they get the money back from Mastercheck or what, I just wanted my money back.

Nonetheless, I was amazed that mastercheck could authorize a debit from my account without my permission. It was listed as "debit without pin."

If I write a check or use a credit card, I have to sign to authorize the transaction, and to use my debit card, I use my pin. How is a company able to access my account without my authorization? I didn't even know who they were.

Is there a way to protect against this, and is this id theft?

Thanks, your posts have been more informative than any of the agencies I've contacted for 2 months.

[kb9tbq]

Hi, if the account had been access then yet that is a form of ID Theft. I would suggest closing out the checking account and opening a new one.

Would not hurt to file a police report and activating a fraud alert. This sounds limited to your bank account and you might ask them for the check cashing company they report to and order a copy of that report.

[Houdino]

Last week my bank account showed 2 debits by a company called Masterchecks for bounced check fees. Fortunately, no checks bounced, they made a mistake, and the bank is crediting my account. I don't know if they get the money back from Mastercheck or what, I just wanted my money back.

Nonetheless, I was amazed that mastercheck could authorize a debit from my account without my permission. It was listed as "debit without pin."

If I write a check or use a credit card, I have to sign to authorize the transaction, and to use my debit card, I use my pin. How is a company able to access my account without my authorization? I didn't even know who they were.

Is there a way to protect against this, and is this id theft?

Thanks, your posts have been more informative than any of the agencies I've contacted for 2 months.

If the debit card had a Visa or MasterCard logo on it, they may have made the debit thru one of those avenues rather than as a direct "Debit" from your account.

I once had a dispute with a creditor and canceled my debit card (they had imprinted that card), got a new one sent and the friggin' bank let the creditor debit my account using the new card!!! They said they could not prevent the charge because it went thru the "Visa" "channel" and the Bank had the obligation to honor the charge.

[lolah]

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just! put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

I know this is an old thread, but I just thought I would jump in and say that this does not always work. I did this a few months ago and the credit card company returned my payment saying they "couldn't find my account". I was so angry! They have the last 4 digits, my name and my address. What more do they need? Just be careful, you might end up with a late payment!

[masterpr]

Great info on identity theft. Anyone know a good software program to protect your computer.

thanks all.

[iwallet]

Hi all,

Hope you may be interested...

What I have to say is about taking a precaution against identity theft.It is now more common that your SSN and credit cards can be stolen away.By using a hi-tech wallet named iWallet,its not so easy.This wallet has a fingerprint reader and can be connected to a PDA which gives an alarm when the wallet is taken 30 ft away.Thus identity theft can be prevented.

Hope you may be interested...

[kb9tbq]

Dealing with ID Theft against a child

Mail correspondence to Equifax

Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc

P.O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374

For peace of mind, you can request a credit report for your daughter through Experian’s online fraud center or by calling 1 888 EXPERIAN (1 888 397 3742) and selecting the fraud option. Simply follow the instructions provided. You will be asked to provide documentation verifying that you are the parent or legal guardian before Experian can send you a credit report.

Here I thought it was an address but it is a site, try this:

childidtheft@transunion.com

Worried about Child Identity Theft?

* Online * Phone number: (800) 680-7289

TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department

P.O. Box 6790

Fullerton, CA 92834

Edited March 30, 2010 by kb9tbq
Dealing with ID Theft against a child

[dani000]

The information regarding identity theft from you is very interesting.

[charlesevans]

Hey FTC forum is really works on identity theft and i regularly visited to this FTC website. I will suggest to everyone if you want to safe from id theft then get updated tips and solutions. 

[Blue Squad]

Here are the initial steps necessary to deal with identity theft:

1. Generate a FTC Identity Theft Affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
2. File a police report with your local police station, and get a copy of the same police report, along with the police report number.

More info about this and the following steps can be found in this thread:

 

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/community/topic/322048-taking-on-bank-of-america/

 

This is a multi-step process, and it has to be done in the proper order.

[kellystams]

Can anyone recommend a forum that specializes in fraud / id theft topics?

It seems there is a forum for everything, but could not find a forum to discuss fraud issues.

Some use cases I experienced recently: civil id

1.) fraudulent IL unemployment under my name - likely a result of experian hack
2.) Anemone else picked up item at Best Buy (although I think they have a rouge employee and just want to blame it on my email being hacked)

[Clydesmom]

9 hours ago, kellystams said:

Can anyone recommend a forum that specializes in fraud / id theft topics?

It seems there is a forum for everything, but could not find a forum to discuss fraud issues.

Some use cases I experienced recently: civil id

1.) fraudulent IL unemployment under my name - likely a result of experian hack
2.) Anemone else picked up item at Best Buy (although I think they have a rouge employee and just want to blame it on my email being hacked)

I don't know of any forum to discuss the issues.  The FTC website has all the information you need on what to do.  I am fighting this now due to the T-Mobile breach.  You need to file a FACTA and police report.  Freeze your credit reports.  Put a fraud alert on your bureau reports as well.  

 

[louries]

On 2/25/2022 at 11:53 AM, kellystams said:

Can anyone recommend a forum that specializes in fraud / id theft topics?

It seems there is a forum for everything, but could not find a forum to discuss fraud issues.

Some use cases I experienced recently: civil id

1.) fraudulent IL unemployment under my name - likely a result of experian hack
2.) Anemone else picked up item at Best Buy (although I think they have a rouge employee and just want to blame it on my email being hacked)

Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will collect the details of your situation