It's a growing problem that you want to avoid. Here are a few brief tips to help you avoid becoming an identity theft victim.
- Don't provide personal information to anyone unless you initiated the contact.
- Shred personal information before discarding.
- Protect PINs and passwords and don't make them easy for others to figure out.
- Carry only cards and driver's license you use routinely with you daily.
- Read account and billing statements carefully.
- Review your credit report annually from each of the three major bureaus
|
Equifax
|
Experian
|
Trans Union
|
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800-685-1111
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888-397-3742
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800-888-4213
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Currently, you are eligible to receive one free credit report
during any 12-month period if you believe your file contains inaccurate
information due to fraud.
Consumers are able to order a free credit report annually from all three reporting agencies above through a centralized resource using this phone or web contact information.
Phone: 1-877-322-8228
Internet: www.annualcreditreport.com
If you become an identity theft victim follow these important steps.
- File a police report.
- Contact the fraud departments at the credit bureau numbers listed above
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission hotline 1-877-ID-THEFT
- Contact all creditors to inform them, close accounts, and obtain new cards and security codes.
|
Equifax
|
Experian
|
Trans Union
|
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800-525-6285
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888-397-3742
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800-680-7289
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