Identity Theft, What To Do-Comal County, Texas

Identity Theft - What to Do

This page offers information and resources concerning identity theft and what to do if this happens to you.

Equifax: (800) 525-6285,

Experian: (888) 397-3742

TransUnion: (800) 680-7289

Because it's such a personal crime, many of the steps required to counter identity theft can be taken only by the individuals whose information has been stolen. Employers can, however, offer guidance.

Here are some key steps and informative resources to share with employees if they suffer identity theft:

1. Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax: (800) 525-6285, Experian: (888) 397-3742 and TransUnion: (800) 680-7289), report the theft, ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on their file and that no new credit be granted without their approval. Ask for a free copy of the credit report.

2. Review the credit report. For any accounts that have been fraudulently accesses or opened, contact the security departments of the appropriate creditors or financial institutions. Close these accounts. Put passwords (not mother's maiden name or Social Security number) on any new accounts opened.

The federal Fair Reporting Act addresses identity theft in the credit reporting industry and generally limits individuals' responsibility for fraudulent charges to $50 (an amount that many credit companies waive).

3. File a report with the local police or the police where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime later.

4. Call the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse toll free at (877) IDTHEFT, or (877) 438-4338, to report the theft. Counselors log complaints and offer advice on ways to deal with the credit-related problems that could result. At the FTC's main identity theft web site (www.consumer.gov/idtheft), employees can get contact information for other government and law enforcement authorities that may need to be notified and involved in reporting and investigating the theft, such as the Social Security Administration, the Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and Secret Service.

5. Get a copy of the new "ID Theft Affidavit", a form developed recently by the FTC for victims, which makes it easier to dispute debts resulting from identity theft. The affidavit is accepted by the three major credit bureaus, participating credit issuers and a number of financial institutions. Log on the www.comsumer.gov/idtheft to download a copy, or call (877) IDTHEFT.

--Susan J. Wells ("HR Magazine" December 2002 Vol. 47, No. 12)

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