Bookmark
|
It is important that victims act as soon as possible to prevent fraudulent charges from accumulating and damaging their good credit. As soon as you realize you may be a victim of an identity crime you should:
- Contact your bank and other credit card companies—You must contact financial institutions immediately in order to close your credit and checking accounts that the criminal is or may be using.
- Contact the fraud reporting departments at three major credit reporting bureaus:
Equifax – 800-525-6285
Experian – 888-397-3742
TransUnion – 800-680-7289
The credit bureaus will place a “fraud alert” on your file which states you must be contacted directly before any new credit is taken out in your name. After you file a fraud alert the credit bureaus will also provide you with a free copy of your credit report and will verify the information is correct on the report.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Line at 877-438-4338. The Federal Trade Commission handles complaints and provides information to victims and helps them work with the appropriate organizations and law enforcement agencies.
- File a police report – This will be necessary to start the credit-repair process.
- Contact the fraud department of your creditors – You must contact your creditors in writing and many creditors and the major credit reporting bureaus will accept the “ID Theft Affidavit”
What is ID Theft Affidavit?
What is ID Theft Affidavit? A standard form developed by the FTC that helps victims of identity theft submit information to their credit institutions. Although, it is important to check with each company to make sure they accept the affidavit because some companies require you to complete a different form. For more information, visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Other Considerations
If you are a victim of a fraud crime, contact all appropriate organizations including your phone company, wireless provider, post office and Internet service provider.
Qwest customers can call contact Qwest customer service at 800-244-1111 or to click to chat with a Qwest representative click on the customer service link. Qwest will work with you to take the appropriate actions to isolate the incident.
For more information about identity theft, and to learn what other steps you will need to take if it does occur, visit the FTC Web site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
|
|
|
