Online resources for identity theft victims:
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (all forms you'll need including an ID theft affidavit)
>> Website: http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm#sheets
California Office of Privacy Protection
>> Website: http://www.privacy.ca.gov/cover/identitytheft.htm
Federal Trade Commission: Identity Theft
>> Website: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/data/idt.shtm
Federal Trade Commission: Fighting Back Against Adentity Theft
>> Website: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
Federal Trade Commission: File a complaint
Website: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
Department of Justice: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud
>> Website: http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
California Office of Privacy Protection
>> Website: http://www.oispp.ca.gov/consumer_privacy/identitytheft.asp
Hi-Tech Crime: Protecting yourself in the computer age
>> Website: http://www.safestate.org/documents/Hi-Tech_Crimes.pdf
The three credit bureaus are:
- Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Equifax: 1-888-766-0008
If you're a victim of identity theft, you should:
The alert typically expires after a certain period of time, so if you're really worried about someone accessing credit in your name, you can freeze your credit. You must make a credit freeze request in writing to each of the three credit bureaus. Once they receive that letter, each of the bureaus will send you a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will also get instructions on how to lift the freeze in the event you are applying for credit. You can lift the freeze by phone, using your PIN.
Please be aware that there may be fees incurred when you unfreeze your credit. Putting a freeze in place should be free for identity theft victims, but lifting the freeze could cost you about $10 or so.
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