Protection From Credit Card Fraud

The Federal trade Commission maintains a national database for victims of identity theft. In addition, the United States Secret Service has provided the following information and phone numbers to help you guard yourself against credit theft.

PHONE NUMBERS
Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-ID-THEFT
Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271

CREDIT BUREAUS
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

ACTION TO TAKE IF YOUR CREDIT HAS BEEN COMPROMISED

• Notify each of the above numbers of potential or actual fraudulent activity concerning your identity or credit ( and follow up in writing ).
• Ask that a "Hawk" or "Fraud" alert be placed on your credit account so that you will be contacted each time an inquiry is made concerning your credit.
• Ask for a copy of your credit report ( from each bureau). After reviewing your credit report, contact all banks and credit card companies where fradulent credit has been established and ask that a password be set up for all future account changes. ( Follow-up with all requests in writing ).
• File affidavits of forgery with all banks and creditors where credit has been established.
• Attempt to file a police report with the local law enforcement authorities and obtain a copy of the police report.
• Follow up with the credit bureaus and request copies of your credit report every three months until your credit is clear.

PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO GUARD AGAINST HAVING YOUR CREDIT COMPROMISED

• Do not throw away credit card statements, bank statements, and credit report, checks from credit companies or any other documents with personal information on them.
• Shred all documents with personal data or account information on them.
• Do not give out your social security number on checks or on a driver's license.
• Think carefully before giving any information over the Internet.
• Contact all credit bureaus and request a copy of your credit report at regular intervals (every six months) to monitor fraudulent activity.