Data Theft Information Center

Fraud Alert, Data Theft and Identity Theft Resources

Every day, we see new headlines sounding alarms about identity theft — a modern-day plague that’s affected as many as one in six American adults. Should we all be afraid? Has everyone impacted by the McCombs data theft — along with the nearly 100 million other consumers whose data is exposed each year — become a victim of identity theft?

The answer to these questions is “no.” Data theft occurs when someone obtains key pieces of your personal identifying information. Identity theft occurs when that information is used for any fraudulent or other unlawful purpose. The unlawful acquisition of personal identifying information does not necessarily mean that identity theft has occurred. This distinction is important when considering any actions you might wish to make to the disclosure of your Social Security number.

Responding to Data Theft

One proactive measure is placing a free “fraud alert” on your file with one of the three major credit bureaus. (You need only to place it with one of the agencies. The credit bureau you place the fraud alert with will share the information with the other two.) The fraud alert stays on your record for 90 days. However, you can re-file the free fraud alert after the initial period has ended.

In addition, you are entitled to one free credit report in a 12-month period. To request this free annual report, go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also call toll-free (877) FACT ACT (322-8228). Review your credit reports carefully to ensure no fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized charges made to your existing accounts.

If you have reason to believe your personal information has been compromised or stolen, contact one of the three major credit bureaus listed below and take the following action.  If you have not already done so:

  • Place an initial fraud alert on your file. This free service requests that any creditor contact you by phone at a number you designate before opening a new account. Provide them with all of your contact numbers so they can reach you at any time.
  • 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 fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized charges 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 below) 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 information and to make sure no fraudulent activity has occurred.

Credit Reporting Agencies

Equifax (http:www.equifax.com)

Direct line for placing a fraud alert: 877-478-7625 (fraud alert must be placed by phone or by mail)

Please note: Equifax does not have a toll-free number for those calling from outside the United States.

Telephone prompts for placing a fraud alert:

  1. Following the welcome message press 1 to add a fraud alert.
  2. When asked:
       a. enter Social Security number
       b. enter 2 digit year of birth followed by the # key
       c. enter numeric portion only of address and press the # key
       d. enter daytime phone number with area code. Press # if you are not providing a daytime phone number.
       e. enter nighttime phone number with area code. Press # if you are not providing a nighttime phone number.
  3. You will be given a confirmation number at this point (please note this confirmation number is read quickly)
    - end of call

Direct line for requesting your credit report/file:
800-685-1111 / 888-766-0008

 

Experian (http://www.experian.com/fraud)

Direct line for placing a fraud alert, reporting suspected fraud and requesting a credit report: 888-397-3742

Please note: Experian does not have a toll-free number for those calling from outside the United States. To submit the fraud alert online, visit Experian at www.experian.com/fraud

Telephone prompts for placing a fraud alert:

  1. Following welcome message press 2
  2. If you believe your credit information is being used fraudulently press 3
  3. To add an alert to your credit file using the automated system press 2
  4. To add a temporary initial security alert press 1
  5. Two options given to continue
       a. Visit www.experian.com/fraud to complete report online, or
       b. Hold and then press 2 to continue by phone
  6. When asked:
       a. enter Social Security number and press # key
       b. press 1 if SSN is correct
       c. enter zip code and press # key
       d. enter numeric address and press # key
       e. optional phone number
               1. press 1 to continue without number
               2. press 2 to continue with number
       f. enter 10 digit phone number
       g. press 1 if correct 2 if not correct
       h. enter phone extension # or hold (if extension is entered press 1 if correct, 2 if not)
  7. You will be given a confirmation number at this point
    8. Press 2 to continue and register the alert
    -end of call
     
TransUnion (http://www.transunion.com)

Direct line for placing a fraud alert and reporting suspected fraud: 800-680-7289 (fraud alert must be placed by phone or by mail)

Please note: TransUnion does not have a toll-free number for those calling from outside the United States.

Telephone prompts for placing a fraud alert:

  1. Following welcome message enter current mailing zip code
  2. To add a fraud alert press or say 1
  3. If at risk, to add an initial fraud alert, press or say 1
  4. When asked:
       a. enter Social Security number and press # key
       b. press 1 if SSN is correct or 2 if not
       c. enter 2 digit month of birth and press # key
       d. enter 4 digit year of birth and press # key
       e. enter 5 digit zip code and press # key
       f. enter the numeric portion of street address and press # key
       g. enter 10 digit day phone number and press # key
       h. press 1 if day phone is correct press 2 if not
       i. enter extension if needed
       j. enter 10 digit evening phone number and press # key
       k. press 1 if evening phone is correct press 2 if not
       l. enter extension if needed
  5. No confirmation number will be given
    - end of call

Direct line for requesting credit report:
800-916-8800 / 800-680-7289
http://www.transunion.com

 

Responding to Identity Theft

If you find evidence of identity theft on your credit reports, take these steps:

  • Immediately contact the affected creditor and close the accounts that you believe have been opened fraudulently or have unauthorized activity.
  • File a police report, and get a copy to submit to creditors and others that may require proof of a crime. (Make several copies of the police report for future use.)
  • Contact the credit bureaus to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report.
  • File a complaint with the FTC online at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ or by calling 877-438-4338. Use the ID Theft Affidavit Form developed by the Federal Trade Commission to help you file a case with the affected creditors at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/pdf/affidavit.pdf
  • If you discover misuse of your Social Security number, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline, 800-269-0271.
  • Keep a detailed record of both written and oral communications with credit bureaus, creditors, financial institutions, and police, including dates, and with whom you spoke. Any records should be kept for three years.

Additional Resources

The following links provide detailed information related to identity theft and protecting yourself.

Federal Trade Commission
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

Also see from the Federal Trade Commission, the booklet “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft” http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm

Social Security Administration

http://www.ssa.gov/oig/index.htm

Social Security Fraud hotline (800-269-0271)

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html

Department of Justice
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html

U.S. Postal Inspection Service
http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/id_intro.htm

Identity Theft Resource Center (858-693-7935)
http://www.idtheftcenter.org/index.shtml

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - Identity Theft Resources
http://www.idtheftcenter.org/index.shtml

Internet Crime Complaint Center
http://www.IC3.gov

National Fraud Information Center Hotline: 800-876-7060

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