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If someone is using your personal identifying information (name, Social Security number, credit card information) to commit fraud or other crimes, you have rights.
Strange credit accounts have shown up on your credit report.
You have received mail or pre-approved credit offers with someone else’s name at your home.
Companies you have no business with have been looking at your credit report.
You have received debt collectors’ notices for accounts that you are not aware of having.
Your credit report lists an unknown name or address that you have never used.
You have received account information relating to accounts you did not open.
If you’re a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep records of your conversations and copies of all correspondence. Visit the FTC for more details.
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your reports.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows consumer free copies of their credit file. It also allows you to place a fraud block in that file. This will notify any potential creditors that someone has been using your identity and warns them to prevent further credit without proof that it is you. You can request your free, annual copy of your credit report, and if necessary, place a fraud block on your file here.
2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Identity Theft Report
Not Sure You Are a Victim?
Effects of Identity
Theft About Fraud Alerts
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