February 07 2012

December 15 2011

December 15 2011

• Contact your local police department and file a report of the theft. Obtain a copy of the report for your records and to assist in clearing your name.
• Contact any creditors of the accounts that you believe have been corrupted or fraudulently opened. Ask to speak with the fraud or security department and inform them of the theft. Immediately close any existing accounts and open a new account that is protected by a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) and/or password. (Avoid using information that is easily available for your PIN/password. This includes your birthdate, the last four digits of your SSN, your mother’s maiden name, and a consecutive series of numbers.) Follow up the call with a letter.
• Contact the fraud department of one of the three major credit bureaus. (See previously listed toll free numbers.) Inform them that you are an identity theft victim and that you wish to place a fraud alert on your file, as well as a victim’s statement requesting a call to you by the credit bureaus before opening or changing credit accounts. Also, request a copy of your credit report. As a result of this one request, all three major credit bureaus will send you a copy of your credit report.
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline. 1-877- IDTHEFT (438-4338).
• Print and complete an Identity Theft Affidavit. Once you've completed the ID Theft Affidavit, gather the following documents: a copy of any documents relating to your identity theft including collection letters, police reports and credit reports; Proof of residency (light, gas or phone bill, etc.) at the time the theft occurred; and a photo ID. It is imperative that you complete the ID Theft Affidavit and return it along with supporting documents to the address below so a criminal investigation may be initiated.

To contact the Consumer Protection Division:

For more detailed guidance, please review our publication entitled "Identity Theft: What to Do When There is More Than One of You". If you need additional assistance, you may also contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office at 601-359-4230 or 1-800-281-4418.

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