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Identity Theft
What is Identity Theft?
Simply, it is the unauthorized use of ANY of your identifying
information to commit fraud and theft.
Identifying information can be simply your name, but can also include your
date of birth, social security number, account numbers, driver's license
number, etc. It will include any information that identifies you in any way.
This information can be obtained in many and varied ways. These include, but
are not limited to, the theft of your information from account statements,
credit cards, social security card, driver's license, checkbook, etc.
Identity theft is a crime in Pennsylvania, punishable by a maximum of 5
years imprisonment.
Avoid Becoming a Victim
1
Diligently protect your information. Secure your credit cards, personal
information and bank account information.
2
Do not carry more information than what you need. Limit the number of credit
cards you carry. Do not carry your checkbook or an extra check if you do not
need it. Its loss will give your account information to anybody.
3
Be aware of your surroundings in public. Do not get distracted. Do not
become a victim of theft.
4
Annually request a credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.
Check each report closely for errors and report them immediately.
5
Keep a list of account numbers and contact numbers for your various credit
companies in a secured area of your home.
6
Shred all account statements prior to disposing of them in your trash.
What If I Am a Victim?
1
Contact ALL account holders immediately. This includes your credit
card companies and banking institutions. Cancel all cards and be sure to
alert banks to the activity that may affect your account. You may need to
close your bank accounts and re-open them under a different account
number.
2
Contact the three credit bureaus. Advise them you believe your identity
has been stolen. Request they put a fraud alert on credit requests and
that no new credit be granted without your approval.
3
File a report with your police department. Identity theft is a crime and
prosecution will ensue should the responsible party be arrested. The
report will also be needed by various companies in order to protect your
name.
4
Begin a log of your actions taken. Include names, phone numbers, dates and
times of all people contacted. Also be sure to include any and all account
numbers affected or secured fraudulently.
Contact
Information
Credit Bureaus
Equifax:
For Fraud: 1-800-525-6285
For Credit Report: 1-800-685-1111
Experian:
For Fraud: 1-888-397-3742
For Credit Report: 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union:
For Fraud: 1-800-680-7289
For Credit Report: 1-800-916-8800
Additional Information
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Phone: 1-877-IDTHEFT
www.idtheftcenter.org
Phone: 1-858-693-7935
www.identitytheft.org
Phone: 1-800-725-0807
www.privacyrights.org
Phone: 1-619-298-3396
Additional
Contact Numbers
Social Security
Administration
www.ssa.gov
Fraud: 1-800-269-0271
PA Department of
Transportation
Driver's license and vehicle registration:
www.dmv.state.pa.us
1-800-932-4600
Postal Inspector
Fraudulent addresses created in your name:
www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect
1-800-275-8777
Passport
Report stolen passport and prevent
issuance of a fraudulent one in your name:
www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html
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