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Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to impersonate you. Many times, the identity thief will fraudulently open accounts or obtain access to your finances. If you are the victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to try and minimize the damage. 
 

Consider using the step-by-step guide the found at www.identitytheft.gov/Steps.

 

Contact the Credit Bureaus

Contact one of the three credit companies to report that you are a victim of identity theft. Place a Fraud Alert and consider a credit/security freeze.

  • Equifax: 800.525.6285
  • Experian: 888.397.3742
  • TransUnion: 800.680.7289
 

Submit a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission

Contact the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC’s) Identity Theft Helpline: 877.ID.THEFT (877.438.4338) or submit a complaint online at www.identitytheft.gov.
 

File a Police Report

Contact your local police department to file a report. Creditors may require this as proof of criminal activity.
 

Financial Accounts

  • Update all passwords that may have been compromised.
  • Review monthly financial statements.
  • Set account alerts and read them.
  • Add verbal passwords to your account for added security with call in request, if applicable.
 

Monitor Your Private Information

  • Review credit reports. Report or dispute any errors immediately.
  • Shred documents before tossing them in the trash.
  • Don’t let your mail sit in your mailbox.
 

Monitor Your Online Activity

  • Store password safely, consider using a trusted password manager app or software.
  • Set your social media security settings to private. Do not overshare online.
  • Keep software patches and antivirus software updated.