Sheriff - Identity Theft - Things You Can Do

Identity Theft - Things You Can Do

	Identity Theft Victim Packet - fill out these forms for submission to the Sheriff's Department
	Make a police report. Report the crime to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction with your case. This is where your identity was used, where the merchandise or product was delivered, or where you live. Provide as much documentation as possible at the time of the report. Get a copy of your police report and keep the report number available so that you can provide it to your creditors when they request verification. NOTE: some police agencies may resist taking reports on these types of crimes due to jurisdiction, and lack of knowledge of the Identity Theft law. Michigan Law MCL 750.285, April 1, 2001. If the officer does refuse to take a report, then contact his/her superior. You need this report to assist you in trying to clear your financial credit name.
	Immediately contact all three of the Credit Bureaus Fraud unit and request a “Fraud Alert” be placed on your accounts. Also report to these Credit Bureaus in writing of the same information. Send this information by Certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep copies of all of these documents with your records. You may need them in trying to clear your credit name.
	Fill out a Victim statement or “Fraud Affidavit”. Keep a copy and send it certified mail with return receipt requested to all of the financial institutions involved in the ID Theft and Credit Bureaus.
	Ask how long the ‘Fraud Alert” will be posted on your account and how to extend it if necessary.
	You should know that: These Fraud Alerts may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened in your name. Request in writing to receive a free copy of your credit report every few months so that you are able to monitor any new activities occurring without your authorization.
	Request in writing the names, phone numbers and any other information available of credit grantors with whom fraudulent accounts in your name have been opened. Ask that all inquires that have been made due to the fraudulent access be removed. Request that the credit bureaus notify those who have received your credit report in the last six months (two years for employment) to alert those inquirers of the disputed and fraudulent/inaccurate information.
	Contact creditors. Immediately contact by both phone and in writing, all creditors with whom accounts were opened or used fraudulently. Banks and creditors may ask that you complete a “Notarized Fraud Affidavit”, which could become costly. The law does not require you to notarize an affidavit to a creditor.
	Obtain replacement cards with new account numbers for existing accounts that you believe have been used without your permission.
	Request that old accounts be processed as “ACCOUNT CLOSED AT CONSUMER’S REQUEST”. If your account is listed as “ Card lost or stolen”, it may be interpreted as blaming you for the loss. Continue to monitor your credit card bills for evidence of new activity.
	File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You may call 877-438-4338 (877-IDTHEFT) or contact them online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. The FTC keeps a database of information on ID theft and also has a comprehensive guide you may download.
	Report stolen checks, ATM card(s) or fraudulent bank accounts to the appropriate financial institution. Place a “stop payment” on outstanding checks if necessary. Close your checking and/or savings account(s) and obtain new account number(s). Create new passwords. Do not use common names, numbers, telephone numbers, family or pet names, your family member’s Date of Birth, social security number, house address, mother’s maiden name, etc. when creating passwords-use a combination of letters and numbers.
	Contact the local Postal Inspector’s Office. Immediately notify them if you suspect a change in address was filed without your authorization. Also notify the local Postmaster.
	If you suspect that your Social Security number may have been fraudulently used, notify the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271. Order a copy of your Earnings and Benefits Statement and check it for any fraudulent activities.
	If your passport is suspected of being involved, Notify the Passport office in writing to watch for anyone ordering your passport without your authorization. Report passport theft at http://travel.state.gov/ or call 202-955-0430.
	Contact your phone company and report any stolen calling cards, fraudulent charges and fraudulent accounts that may have been opened in your name. Cancel any open accounts and open a new one in its place.
	Contact the Secretary of State’s office to report your driver’s license being used fraudulently. Check if a duplicate license has been issued. If you suspect that your license number has been obtained fraudulently, fill out the Secretary of State’s complaint form and send supporting documentation to begin the process for a Fraud investigation to be initiated.
	To request major check verification companies to notify businesses not to accept your checks, call: Telecheck at 1-800-710-9898 or 1-800-927-0188, Certegy, Inc. at 1-800-437-5120. To find out if someone has been passing your bad checks, call SCAN: 1-800-262-7771
	KEEP A LOG OF ALL: conversations including the date, time, phone number(s), person’s name, organization and brief description of the content of that conversation when dealing with companies that have your identification and/or credit. Whenever sending correspondence, keep copies of all letters and documents. Send all correspondence by certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep all documentation.