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Guard against identity theft
Protect your personal info like your address or Social Security Number from people trying to use it to make illegal purchases or open fraudulent accounts.
DETAILED INFOWays to guard against identity theft
- Safeguard your personal information and be careful about sharing it.
- Beware of people manipulating you for information.
- Always use complex passwords online.
- Change your passwords often.
- Don’t use the same password on multiple websites.
- Don't open emails or links from unknown sources.
- Don't give out your email address without knowing precisely how it will be used.
- Be wary of telemarketing calls that make unrealistic promises or ask for personal information.
Report identity theft
You can contact any of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert asks creditors to contact you before opening new accounts or making changes to your existing accounts.
- Equifax: 800.525.6285, www.equifax.com
- Experian: 888.397.3742, www.experian.com
- TransUnion: 800.680.7289, www.transunion.com
Additional steps to take in case of identity theft
- Close accounts you know or suspect were tampered with or opened fraudulently.
- File a police report. Get a copy of it to submit to your creditors or others who may require proof of the crime.
- Report identity theft at www.identitytheft.gov.
- File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at www.consumer.ftc.gov or by calling the FTC. The FTC maintains an identity theft database law enforcement agencies use for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps the FTC better assist you as they learn more about identity theft and the problems it creates.
