Identity Theft

IDENTITY THEFT: What You Need to Know

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully acquires key personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, or mother’s maiden name to impersonate you.

This information can be used to commit various types of fraud, including:

  • Taking over existing financial accounts
  • Opening new credit or bank accounts
  • Purchasing vehicles or property
  • Applying for loans, credit cards, or government benefits
  • Renting apartments or setting up utility/phone services

How to Protect Your Identity

  • Do not leave mail in your mailbox overnight or over weekends
  • Never leave wallets or purses in unattended vehicles
  • Use U.S. Postal Service collection boxes for outgoing mail
  • Shred all unwanted documents with personal information
  • Take your trash out only on collection day
  • Review your credit report annually
  • Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately
  • Destroy expired credit cards and old ID cards
  • Memorize Social Security numbers and passwords
  • Do not list your SSN on checks
  • Match receipts with monthly credit card bills
  • Check financial statements regularly for accuracy
  • Always safeguard birth certificates, credit reports, and any personal documents

If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

  • File a Police Report
  • Provide detailed info: how the theft was discovered, timeline of fraudulent activity, impacted accounts, losses, and how your data may have been accessed.
  • Cancel Fraudulent Accounts
  • Immediately close any unauthorized accounts.
  • Complete the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Affidavit, widely accepted by banks and creditors.
  • Notify Credit Bureaus
  • Contact one of the three major bureaus to place a fraud alert. They will notify the other two bureaus automatically. You’ll receive a free credit report from all three.
  • Review Credit Reports Carefully. Look for:

Unfamiliar accounts

Incorrect personal info

Any suspicious activity

Request removal of false data and order new reports every 3 months until resolved.

Identity Theft Contact Information

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, H-130
Washington, DC 20580
1-877-438-4338
www.ftc.gov/idtheft

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

P.O. Box 7500
Philadelphia, PA 19101-9000
215-895-8450
215-895-8470
www.usps.com/postalinspectors

Credit Bureaus

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
800-525-6285

https://www.equifax.com

Experian
P.O. Box 9530
Allen, TX 75013
888-397-3742

https://www.experian.com/

TransUnion
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
800-680-7289

https://www.transunion.com/