Identity Theft Protection
Identity Theft Shield
National Credit Reporting Agencies
Experian
Telephone number to place a fraud alert: 1-888-397-3742
Equifax
Equifax Fraud Division telephone number: 1-888-766-0008
TransUnion
Telephone number to place a fraud alert: 1-800-680-7289
Innovis Data Solutions
Telephone number to order (purchase) a credit report:1-800-540-2505
Nonprofit Organizations
Better Business Bureau (BBB) ID Theft Site
BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.
Consumer Services, Marketing and Solicitations, Data Bases
Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
The DMA provides the ability to request removal from direct marketing mailing, telephone, and email lists used by its reputable member companies.
National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is maintained by the FTC and allows consumers to have their telephone number removed from telemarketing lists.
Opt-Out / Pre-Screened and Pre-Approved Offer Lists
To “Opt-Out” of these pre-screened and pre-approved offer lists.
ChoicePoint
The largest private sector data warehouse in the United States.
Medical Information Bureau (MIB)
The MIB report, used for insurance underwriting decisions, includes medical and avocation codes
Professional Education
The Institute of Fraud Risk Management (TIFRM)
The first online fraud information and prevention learning center for professionals, small business owners, and the general public.
Survival and Safety Gear
Cajun Survival and Safety
Federal Government: Law Enforcement, Agencies, and Regulatory Organizations
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ID Theft Site
Under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is tasked as the lead U.S. government agency for matters related to Identity Theft.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal law enforcement agency that, among many other crimes, also investigates substantial Identity Theft cases.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
If the consumer is having trouble resolving an issue with a state-chartered bank, they can file a complaint with the FDIC’s Division of Compliance and Consumer Affairs.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
It investigates issues relating to fraudulent tax matters in a victim’s name, such as employment and earnings and fraudulent tax returns.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
It is used to receive and process online reports of actual and attempted fraud and criminal activity involving the Internet (including email scams).
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
If the consumer is having trouble resolving an issue with a federal credit union that is under the NCUA’s jurisdiction, they may contact the regional NCUA office to file a complaint.
U.S. Department of Justice
The Department of Justice includes U.S. Attorneys that prosecute significant identity theft cases at the federal level. The DOJ also provides basic Identity Theft information.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement agency that investigates mail theft and diversion, and fraud that occurs or is attempted through the U.S. mail.
U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA does not investigate Identity Theft cases, only the actual misuse of Social Security numbers or fraud involving Social Security numbers, Social Security Benefits, or Social Security cards.
Federal Consumer Protection Laws
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)
Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) Summary of FCBA
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (ITADA)
Federal Reserve Board - Consumer Handbook of Credit Protection Laws . .
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, social security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
Can I stop someone from getting my information?
The
sad fact is that there is nothing that you can do to prevent your information
from being stolen. No matter how careful you are there is information
about yourself you cannot control. Think about all the applications and forms
you have filled through out your life. You cannot control how your doctor,
mortgage company or any one else that has your information protects it. That's why we all
need identity theft protection.
Why do people become identity thieves?
Identity Theft is less risky, incredibly easy, and highly profitable as compared to most other crimes. A thief who robs you at gunpoint and is caught, is likely to be sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison. In comparison, an identity thief who steals your identity, opens multiple accounts and gets medical treatment in your name then accrues tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent debt will likely get probation if they are ever caught.
What if I am already a identity theft victim?
If you are already a victim of identity theft there are a few options. You can ignore the problem. That is nether a very wise or responsible thing to do. You can try to fix the problem yourself. This may not be very wise either, because an average victim spends over $1,200 in out-of-pocket expenses and over 600 hours of time in efforts to resolve the many problems caused by identity theft. The first step is to call your financial institution and/or credit card company, then contact the three major credit repositories and place a fraud alert. Next go through the helpful but extensive steps recommended by the Federal Trade Commission in a 52 page consumer support publication, fill out and submit the affidavit form supplied by the FTC to dispute new unauthorized accounts. Remember the average victim spends over $1200 in out-of-pocket expenses and over 600 hours of time (that's fifteen 40 hour work weeks). The best option is to subscribe to a service that covers all five areas of identity theft protection and gives you access to legal counsel. In the event of a known or pre-existing condition a fee would be expected out side or a normal monthly fee.
Are all identity theft protection services equal?
No.
The most important things to look for in an identity theft service is
monitoring and total identity restoration.
Should I place a fraud alert with the credit repositories?
No,
not unless your already a victim of identity theft. When you have a fraud alert in place, credit cannot be extended
unless the credit grantor confirms the identity of the person applying for
credit. If you list a phone number for confirmation, you must be
contacted at that phone number or the creditor must take other steps
to confirm your identity. This is no guarantee that no
new accounts will be opened. It is up to the grantor whether or not they will
honor the alert as many creditors, particularly "instant" credit
providers may disregard the alert. If you haven't had
an identity theft incident there is no reason to use alerts and freezes.
What is an "Active Duty" fraud alert?
An “Active Duty” alert is for military personnel who are deployed. This alert may be placed on a report for a period of at least twelve 12 months. You can remove the alert before the end of the 12 month period.
What is "Phishing"?
