Newsmambo

Often victims of identity theft are unaware that they are being victimized until they receive notices from credit card companies or collection agencies.

The Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov/) has set up a toll-free hotline that consumers can use to report identity theft. The FTC offers the services of trained counselors who will help victims begin the long and often costly task of clearing their names. The FTC toll free number is 1-877-438-4338.
What To Do If You Are a Victim

* Notify the police, banks, loan agencies, and creditors. Get a copy of the police report and keep a record of all contacts with legal and financial institutions.
* Ask creditors to call in an alert if any new charges are added.
* Cancel all credit cards, bank accounts, PINs, and passwords.
* Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271 to report fraud.
* Call the major credit reporting agencies (see chart below) and ask them to attach a fraud alert and victim's statement to their report.
* Notify the post office if you suspect your mail is being diverted due to a change of address form being filed.
* Alert utility companies that your identity is being used fraudulently and ask that your accounts be flagged.
* Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles and ask if a license has been issued. You may be asked to change your license number; however, procedures vary from state to state.
* Notify the passport office in writing to watch for anyone who may order a new passport in your name.
* If tax fraud is suspected, notify the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-0433.
* If a civil judgment has been entered in your name for actions taken or debts incurred by the thief, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you've been a victim of identity theft. Ask how your name can be cleared.
* If bank accounts were set up fraudulently or checks were stolen, contact check verification agencies:
o CheckRite: 800-766-2748
o ChexSystems: 800-428-9623
o CrossCheck: 800-552-1900
o NPC: 800-526-5380
o SCAN: 800-262-7771
o
TeleCheck: 800-710-9898