IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION 2

Steps to Take as a Victim of Identity Theft

If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conver- sations and copies of all correspondence. Acting fast could mean a huge difference in tine it will take to restore you good name.

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.

Nip the problem where it hurts and prevent further damage. Placing a fraud alert can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts

in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

Equifax

P.O. Box 7404256

Atlanta, GA 30374

1-800-525-6285

www.equifax.com

Experian

P.O. Box 2002

Allen, TX 75013

1-888-397-3742

www.experian.com

TransUnion

P.O. Box 390

Springfield, PA 19064

1-800-680-7289

www.transunion.com

While it's only necessary to contact one of the reporting companies, since they contact each other in this situation, it is necessary to receive a

confirmation from each of the three reporting companies of your fraud alert.  Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order one

free copy of your credit report from each of the three consumer reporting companies. Evaluate any suspicious activity you see on your current reports

and continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.

There are Two kinds of Fraud Alerts that can be placed:

•  Initial Fraud Alert - This alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days. This kind of alert is appropriate if your wallet has been stolen

or if you've been taken in by a "phishing" scam. With an initial fraud alert, potential creditors must use what the law refers to as "reasonable policies and procedures" to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name.

•  Extended Fraud Alert - Stays on your credit report for seven years. This kind of alert is appropriate if you have actually become a victim

of identity theft and con provide the consumer reporting company with an Identity Theft Report With an extended fraud alert, potential creditors must actually contact you, or meet with you in person, before they issue you credit. When you place an extended alert on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit reports within twelve months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting

companies. In addition, the consumer reporting companies will remove your name from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years unless you ask them to put your name back on the list before then.

2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

It's important to close and re-open tarnished accounts to prevent further problems. Contact someone in the security or fraud department of each company and request the proper forms to dispute charges and debits on your accounts or fraudulently opened accounts. Follow up in writing, and

include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. Document everything and Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures: Send letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when.

Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and

has discharged the fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.

3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Federal Trade Commission

600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580

1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)

www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

Why file a complaint with the FTC? Sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important information that can help law

enforcement officials across the nation track down identity thieves and stop them. The FTC can refer victims' complaints to other government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate companies for violations of laws the agency enforces.

4. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Call your local police and request instructions for filing an Identity Theft or "Miscellaneous Incident"

report in person (preferable), by phone or online. When you go to your local police department to file your report, bring a printed copy of your FTC ID Theft Complaint form, your cover letter, and

your supporting documentation. Ask the officer to attach or incorporate the ID Theft Complaint into their police report to provide full documentation of the incident.  Keep originals of every

report or form filed for your own records.