Simpler Steps to Deal with Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it to do things in your name. If you think this has happened to you, take these steps right away:

1. Tell the Credit Bureaus

You can ask the three big credit bureaus to put a fraud alert on your credit report. This alert makes sure that whoever wants to open a new account in your name has to prove it's really you. You only have to talk to one bureau – they'll let the others know.

The credit bureaus have to give you a free copy of your credit report if you're an identity theft victim. Ask for one from each bureau because they might show different things. Look through the reports to see if there's anything strange. If there is, tell the credit bureau and the companies that opened the fake accounts.

Once the issue is resolved, the credit bureaus will send you another credit report. Make sure the bad stuff is gone and your info is right.

For more help and credit reports, visit:

  1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Info: www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports

  2. Get your free credit reports from all three bureaus: www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

  3. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or www.equifax.com

  4. Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com

  5. TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or www.transunion.com

2. Tell Other Companies

Tell your other companies, like credit card and phone companies, and banks about the problem. Let them know someone might be using your info. It's a good idea to follow up with a letter after you talk to them on the phone.

Close any accounts that got messed with, and then reopen them with new account numbers and passwords. Don't use your Social Security number as a password or username.

3. Talk to the Police

If you think someone stole your personal or financial info, call the police. Having a police report can help when you talk to the companies that need proof of the crime.

4. Tell the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Call the FTC at 1-877-ID THEFT (1-877-438-4338) or file a complaint on their website, www.ftc.gov, if you think there's a crime going on.

5. Contact Other Agencies

  • If you think your mail was taken or sent somewhere else, tell your local post office. Visit: www.usps.com.

  • If you're worried someone's using your Social Security number, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

  • If you believe someone is using your info to get a driver’s license, talk to your local DMV or RMV. One resource may be www.DMV.org. (Please note:  DMV.org is a privately owned website and not a governmental agency.  This is a resource site only and Valley Green Shredding has no affiliation with this organization.)

6. Check Your Accounts Carefully

Because fixing identity theft takes time, keep an eye on your account statements and online charges. Tell them right away if you see anything weird.

There's also our Identity Theft Repair Kit (PDF) that has worksheets and tips to help you fix things.

For more info on identity theft and fraud, check out: