The Federal Trade Commission warns that victims of identity theft can spend months, and even years, trying to regain good financial footing after thieves use their personal information to take out loans, open credit cards, make large purchases or even commit crimes in their name. According to the FTC, preventing identity theft requires that people take the steps necessary to manage personal information responsibly.
SIGNS OF IDENTITY THEFT
The FTC recommends that people monitor their financial accounts regularly. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals.
In addition to vigilance, the following could be signs of identity theft:
* Failing to receive bills or other mail, which could signal an address change by an identity thief.
* Receiving credit cards for which you did not apply.
* Being denied credit or being offered less favorable terms for no reason.
* Receiving calls from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you didn't buy.
CHECKING FOR IDENTITY THEFT
Requesting a credit report is one way the FTC recommends people check for identity theft. If a credit account was opened in a person's name, that will likely show on the person's credit report. If inaccurate information is found, it's a good idea to check the other two credit bureaus to verify.
An amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that each of the major nationwide consumer reporting companies provide a free credit report once every 12 months.
To order a free report once a year, a request must be sent to www.annualcreditreport.com, toll-free at 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Individuals also are entitled to a free credit report if a company takes adverse action to applicants, including denying an application for credit, insurance or employment. Reports must be requested within 60 days of that action.
FIGHTING IDENTITY THEFT
If you find you are a victim of identity theft, the FTC recommends you take four steps as soon as possible and keep a record of conversation details and copies of correspondence.
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. To do this, call the toll-free fraud number at any of the three consumer reporting companies. You only need to call one.
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
2. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. When calling each company, speak to someone in the fraud department and follow up in writing.
3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by visiting www.ftc.gov, calling the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-(877) 438-4338), or writing to Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580.
4. File a report with local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. If the police are reluctant, try another jurisdiction, like the state police. Also, check with the attorney general's office to see if state law requires that police take reports for identity theft. For Nevada, call Catherine Cortez Masto at (775) 684-1100, write to Old Supreme Ct. Bldg., 100 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701, or visit ag.state.nv.us/.
MORE INFORMATION
The Federal Trade Commission has a Web site to help people fight identity theft. For more information, visit www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.
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