Identity Theft Information

Shazam Fraud Text Alerts

  Facts About Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing crime that affects many hundreds of thousands of citizens each year.  How can you help protect yourself from this serious crime and its devastating effects? 

Deter

• Shred financial documents
• Protect your social security number
• Don't give out personal information unless you are dealing with a trusted source
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails
• Don't use an obvious password
• Keep your personal information in a secure place

Detect

• Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
  • Bills that do not arrive as expected
  • Unexpected credit cards or account statements
  • Denials of credit for no apparent reason
  • Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
  • Charges on your financial statements that you don't recognize
• Inspect your credit report - law requires the major nationwide credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12 months if you ask for it.  These three companies have created a service to order your free annual credit report:
  • Online: www.annualcreditreport.com
  • Call: 877-322-8228
  • By mail:  Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Defend

• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review the reports carefully
  • Equifax:  800-525-6285
  • Experian: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
  • TransUnion: 800-680-7289
• Contact the security or fraud departments of each company in which you have an account
• File a police report
• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission is a terrific resource and reporting center for Identity Theft and other Consumer Fraud.  For additional information, contact the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Clearinghouse:  

• Online: www.ftc.gov
• By Phone: 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338), or TTY 866-653-4261
• By mail:  Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580