Stolen Identity

Who to notify

The single most important task if you believe that you are a victim of identity theft is to report the theft to as many possible agencies as possible.

In the worst cases of identity theft persons may be arrested under your identity (no surprise that they skip bail... ) so get on record as quickly as possible that you are an identity theft victim.

Credit bureaus

Call and then write all bureaus. Send reports via certified mail or overnight delivery so that you have proof of the report. Regardless of what anyone says, report fraud in writing as well as over the phone.

Experian:

Accepts fraud reports at 888-EXPERIAN

Experian
PO Box 949
Allen TX 75013-0949

Equifax

Accepts fraud reports at 800-525-6285

Equifax
PO Box 740241
Atlanta GA 30374-0241

Trans Union

Accepts fraud reports at 800-680-7289

Trans Union
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
PO Box 6790
Fullerton CA 92634

Check with the post office

See if a change of address has been filed. If you have reason to believe that mail has been stolen, or, that a fraudulent change of address has been filed, then you should file a report with Postal Inspector. The post office has some hints on keeping mail secure.

You can find your nearest postal inspector by going to a post office, or, through this web site. The post office has a brochure on identity theft that we provide separately.

Go to the local police

Report the ID theft. Ask if any local agency (generally people have choices in reporting crimes to city, county or state police) have a specialized identity theft arm. Many law enforcement agencies do have specialized units. Identity theft is a relatively new crime, so many officers are not familiar with how to cope.

If there is a risk of someone using your identity in connection with arrest, your Sheriff department can provide a "not me" letter, and enter into databases the fact that your identity may have been stolen.

Contact the FTC

The FTC is the designated federal agency for handling identity theft. The FTC has established a special line, 1-877-IDTHEFT, for reporting ID theft and for complaints related to handling of ID theft issues.