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Identity Theft News
Close The Accounts That You Know, Or Believe, Have Been Tampered With Or Opened Fraudulently
Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.
When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SSN or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or on fraudulently opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions:
For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use the sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to the company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for sending your payments.
For new unauthorized accounts, ask if the company accepts the ID Theft Affidavit. If not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company already has reported these accounts or debts on your credit report, dispute this fraudulent information. See Correcting Credit Reports to learn how. Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
Latest news about Identity Theft cases in Massachusetts and nationwide:
Identity Theft: It's Not Worth It
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the release of its second DVD on the issue of identity theft i... Read more >
Definition:
A 3 in 1 credit report is a report from all 3 CRA (credit reporting agencies), identifying possible fraud with only one report.
Counterfeit credit cards
Definition:
Once your information has been obtained, thieves often counterfeit credit cards to authorize electronic transfers in your name, eventually draining your bank account.
Skimming
Definition:
Skimming in known as the method of using a information storage device when processing credit or debit cards in order to obtain the card number and then use it fraudulently.
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