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Make sure you use a secure server
when providing credit card information over the
Internet.
 You can identify a secure server by
the first part of the Web address (URL). A
secure server's Web address will begin with
"https://" not "http://". Also, a lock or key
symbol should appear on the Web page. Look for
these symbols when providing credit card
information over the Internet. If you've
upgraded to a browser with the latest anti-phishing
capabilities, look for a green Web address bar
to confirm that you are on a secure page before
entering sensitive information
If you think your
personal information has been compromised in any
way, you should take immediate action.
1. Place
a fraud alert on your credit reports, and then
review them. Fraud alerts can help prevent
an identity thief from opening any more credit
in your name. You only need to contact one
credit bureau because federal law requires that
the one you contact must also alert the other
credit bureaus.
2. Contact
your credit card company. If you entered a
credit card number, you should contact your
credit card company to cancel your account and
alert them to the situation. Follow your credit
card issuer's instructions for formally
documenting the problem.
3. Contact
your bank. If you provided bank account
information, you should contact your bank and
ask for instructions about protecting your
account.
4. File
a Police Report. File a report with your
local police or the police in the community
where the identity theft took place. Make a copy
of the report and note the date it was filed in
case your credit card company or bank needs
proof of the crime.
5. File
an identity theft complaint with the Federal
Trade Commission. The Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) maintains a database of
identity theft cases. Information submitted to
the FTC is used by law enforcement agencies to
assist with investigations.
To file a complaint with the FTC, use one of the
following contact options:
Web site:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Fraud Hotline: 202-326-2502
Credit Bureau Contacts
Report the fraud to one of the three credit
bureaus listed below. Ask them to place a "fraud
alert" on your file so that no new credit can be
granted without your approval. Make certain to
follow-up with a written report after a phone
call. Once you've placed your alert, you are
entitled to a free copy of your credit file from
each credit bureau. Look for inquiries from
companies you haven't contacted, accounts you
didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you
can't explain. Verify that information, like
your Social Security Number, addresses, name or
initials, and employers are correct. Continue to
check your credit reports periodically to make
sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
|
Credit Bureau |
Address |
Order Credit
Report |
Report Fraud |
|
Equifax |
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 |
1-800-685-1111 |
1-800-525-6285 |
|
Experian |
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013 |
1-888-EXPERIAN
(397-3742) |
1-888-EXPERIAN
|
|
TransUnion |
760 Sproul Road
P.O. Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064-0390 |
1-800-916-8800 |
1-800-680-7289 |
Last but not least,
Contact Your Computer Service Provider. You need
to secure your network to prevent any further
problems.
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