You've always had a spotless
credit history. You pay your bills on time. And you
live well within your financial means. But, recently
you've received a few calls from collection agencies
requesting payment for items you didn't buy. Before
you dismiss these actions as a mistake, investigate.
You could be the victim of credit fraud.Each year individuals
with good credit histories fall prey to criminals who
steal their identity and run up thousands of dollars
in bad debt under their names. If it happens to you,
through no fault of your own, you could be faced with
years of trying to clear your credit history of false
information.
If you suspect someone has used your name,
Social Security Number or driver's license to obtain
credit, do the following:
- Call the fraud units of the three credit
bureaus: Equifax 1-800-525-6285, Experian 1-800-301-7195
and Trans Union 1-800-680-7289.
Report identity theft crimes to the local police or
law enforcement agency in your area.
- Put a "fraud alert" on your
credit file. Also, report the possible theft to all
credit card issuers. Cancel all your current cards.
- Notify your bank and/or savings and
loan of the theft. Request new account numbers and
a new ATM number and password.
- Consider changing your driver's license
number if you suspect someone has been using it to
write bad checks.
To prevent identity fraud from happening,
here are some steps you can take:
- Don't carry extra credit cards, your
birth certificate, passport or Social Security number
with you unless necessary. This will minimize the
amount of information a thief can steal from you.
- Don't print your Social Security Number
on your checks. Only give it out if absolutely necessary.
- Shield the ATM screen when using it
in a public place.
- Tear up pre-approved credit card offers
that arrive in the mail.
- Never leave a receipt with your credit
card number on it in a public place. Take it home
with you to a safe place or tear it up.
- Keep current with the information that
is on your credit file. Don't learn about negative
information when you go to apply for a loan. Be proactive
about your credit history…protect it!…by
checking your files with Confidential Credit.
If you know you are a victim of credit
fraud the following organizations may be of help:
- National Fraud Information Center:
1-800-876-7060
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services:
1-800-873-2227
- CSC Credit Services: 1-800-272-9281
Also check the Yellow Pages listings for
your local offices of:
- The Better Business Burea
- The Regional Consumer Protection Office
of the Attorney General.
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