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IDENTITY
THEFT
One of the most dramatic
increases is in crimes of a financial nature, specifically, identity theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains a person's identifying information,
such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, or mother's maiden
name. Using this information illegally, an imposter can open new credit
card accounts, drain our bank accounts, purchase automobiles, apply for loans,
open utility services, etc. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in
America. Is it the number one consumer fraud complaint with over ten
million victims each year. Current statistics show that one in four
Americans will become victims in the next year.
What To Do If You
Are A Victim
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Contact the fraud departments of
the three major credit bureaus.
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Request that a "fraud alert" be
placed on your file and include a statement that creditors must get your
permission before any new accounts are opened in your name. The three
major credit bureaus are: EQUIFAX 1-800-525-6285; EXPERIAN 1-888-397-3742; and
TRANS UNION 1-800-680-7289.
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Contact all the creditors
involved. Let them know that your account may have been used without your
permission, or that new accounts have been opened in your name.
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File a police report. Get a
copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof
of a crime.
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Contact the Federal Trade
Commission. The FTC can assist you with additional information and
maintains a database of identity theft cases for use by law enforcement
agencies. File a fraud report with them by calling the Identity Theft
hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or go to
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
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Keep a record of your contacts.
Start a file with copies of your credit reports, police report, any additional
correspondence, and copies of disputed bills.
Additional Mt. Horeb Police Department Related Links:
Crime Prevention
Financial Crimes
Neighborhood Watch
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