How to Report Identity Theft & Protect Yourself In the Future

Identity theft has steadily risen, and the digital age has only exacerbated the problem. Cybercriminals from anywhere across the globe can now hack their way into electronic devices and steal information that can be used to commit a crime.

Scam artists who pose as honest, hard-working individuals leave behind a wake of debt, negatively impacted credit scores, and a criminal history linked to the victims of identity theft. It's in all our best interests to recognize the telltale signs of identity theft and stop criminals in their tracks. 

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

There are various types of identity theft with common denominators. Fraudsters rely on certain personal information to perpetrate financial and other crimes. This information involves Social Security numbers, birth and death certificates, marriage documents, and driver's licenses.

Each source provides information that can be used to open accounts and create false personas. Bad checks are written, merchandise is purchased and resold for cash, and other scams are orchestrated by fraudsters while operating under the guise of the victim. Be on the lookout for the following telltale signs of identity theft:

• You receive a bill for items you did not purchase.

• A debt collection agency calls regarding an unpaid account you did not authorize.

• The information on your credit report does not match your financial history.

• A loan or credit card application is suspiciously denied.

• You may also notice a significant reduction in snail mail. When impostors leverage your information, they may reroute bank account statements, credit card bills, and other documents. The goal is to prevent you from catching withdrawals, charges, and other fraudulent activity.

If you notice any of the above identity theft warning signs, report it immediately. 

How to Report Identity Theft

If you believe you have fallen prey to identity theft, it's essential to gather any and all evidence. For example, if someone opens a credit card in your name, petition the lender for documentation. If charges have been made to one of your accounts, download and print out statements. Don't forget to change your account logins, passwords, and PINs to prevent further fraud.

It's recommended that you gather your information up front before you can file a report, make a complaint, or request to remove a disputed charge. This step will save you time and reduce the stress of reporting identity theft.

Gather the Information You Need

• Full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license, and, in some cases, a passport.
• Account and card numbers associated with the fraud
• Personal identity information that will help verify your identity (e.g., mother's maiden name, PIN, or access codes).
• A list of fraudulent charges or accounts opened by an unauthorized individual.
• Account statements that show the fraudulent transaction(s).
  
  

Where to File an Identity Theft Report 

You'll need to contact the Fraud Department at the financial institution(s) where the fraud occurred, notify the credit reporting agencies, and file a complaint with the FTC.  Below are the specific contact steps for each.

1. Lending Financial Institution(s): Contact the fraud department or individual responsible at each company where the fraud occurred to request an immediate freeze on accounts or for fraudulent loans to be closed.

Have the organization issue new checks and credit or debit cards if applicable.

You will be asked to prove who you are. This typically requires information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license, address, email, phone number, mother's maiden name, and answers to security questions.

2. Credit Reporting Agencies: Notify one of the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to request a free, one-year fraud alert be placed on your credit report.

You can contact the credit bureau agencies online or by phone, as noted below.  

Equifax Credit Report Services (800) 685-1111

Experian Fraud Center (888) 397-3742

TransUnion Fraud Alert (888) 909-8872

NOTE: You'll only need to contact one credit bureau.  The bureau you contact is obligated by law to inform the other two.  

Consider filing an extended fraud credit alert or credit freeze, which is available to victims of identity theft. 

Your Right to Remove Fraudulent Information from Your Credit Report

If someone steals your identity, you have the right to remove or block fraudulent information from your credit report.  Once the information is blocked, it won't show up on your credit report, and companies can't try to collect the debt from you. If you have an FTC Identity Theft Report, credit bureaus must honor your request to block this information.

Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Criminals have seemingly endless schemes to steal personal information from unsuspecting individuals. People must remain vigilant to prevent hackers from breaching electronic devices and carrying out physical thievery. These are ways you can better protect yourself from identity theft.

• Do not respond to electronic messages that ask for personal information, usernames, or passwords.
• Hang up the phone on callers who ask for bank accounts, credit cards, or debit card donations over the phone.
• Never share your full name, address, email, Social Security number, driver's license, or passport information with a caller claiming an emergency.
• Use unique passwords. 
• Sign up for electronic statements.
• Shred papers statements before disposing of them.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi with personal information.
• Consider adding a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to your phone plan.
• Protect your PIN from prying eyes when using ATMs, purchasing gasoline, and other payment stations.
• Avoid carrying multiple identity documents in your wallet or purse.
• Request the post office hold your mail while you are away or on vacation. 
• Carefully assess all credit card and bank account statements and question suspicious or unauthorized charges.
• Store Social Security cards, birth certificates, marriage documents, banking records, and others in a secure place. A home safe or lock box makes it difficult for thieves to gain access.
• Monitor your credit to catch early signs of identity theft. 
• Keep your software updated regularly.

PCU Is Here to Provide Helpful Resources

It’s important to understand the mindset of hackers and fraudsters when considering protecting yourself and your loved ones from fraud. By hardening your defenses and remaining vigilant in the following ways, criminals are more likely to try elsewhere.

At Providence Credit Union, we take your security seriously. Providing you with information that can protect you from fraudulent activity and identity theft is important to us. Check out our Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention page; it's filled with helpful tips and information you can use now.