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Identity Theft Defense: 3 Critical Checklists [Prevent, Report, and Recover from Fraud]
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Prevent: Identity Theft Fraud Prevention Checklist
Report: Identity Theft Reporting Checklist
Recover: Identity Theft Repairing Your Credit Score Checklist
Identity Theft Defense: 3 Critical Checklists [Prevent, Report, and Recover Fraud]
This Guide Contains:
- PREVENT: Identity Theft Fraud Prevention Checklist
- REPORT: Identity Theft Reporting Checklist
- RECOVER: Identity Theft Repairing Your Credit Score Checklist
Identity theft and fraud cases have been steadily increasing over the past decade. Last year alone, according to IdentityTheft.org, 5.7 million cases of identity theft and fraud were reported, leaving many frustrated victims scrambling to correct errors and repair their credit. Follow our tips below on how you can prevent identity theft and check out our checklists on what you need to do to prevent, report, and recover from fraud.
PREVENT: Identity Theft Prevention Checklist
Identity theft is a serious crime that can have far-reaching consequences for individuals. Here's a checklist to help prevent identity theft:
□ 1. Secure Personal Documents: Store important documents such as social security cards, passports, and birth certificates in a secure location like a locked safe or cabinet.
□ 2. Shred Sensitive Documents: Shred any documents containing personal information before disposing of them, including old bank statements, credit card offers, and receipts.
□ 3. Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.
□ 4. Set up Account Alerts: Enable alerts within online banking to receive notifications on any changes or transactions on your financial accounts.
□ 5. Freeze Credit Reports: Consider placing a freeze on your credit reports with the major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized access and opening of new credit accounts in your name. For more information on how a credit freeze works, click here to refer to the table in section 3.
□ 6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong, complex passwords for online accounts and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Read this Password Tip Sheet for more information.
□ 7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
□ 8. Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account details unless absolutely necessary.
□ 9. Beware of Phishing Scams: Be vigilant of phishing emails, texts, and calls requesting personal or financial information. Verify the legitimacy of requests before providing any information.
□ 10. Secure Devices and Networks: Use firewalls, antivirus software, and keep your devices and Wi-Fi networks secure to protect against malware and unauthorized access.
□ 11. Update Software Regularly: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications updated to patch security vulnerabilities. Learn why it's important to keep your software up to date and how automatic updates can assist on this Software Update Tip Sheet.
□ 12. Limit Social Media Exposure: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media platforms and adjust privacy settings to control who can see your information.
□ 13. Protect Mail and Documents: Retrieve mail promptly from your mailbox and consider using a locked mailbox or a post office box to prevent theft of sensitive information. For more detail on how to protect your mail and money read this blog: Fraud Prevention Essentials: How to Protect Your Mail and Money from Scammers.
□ 14. Check Credit Reports Annually: Review your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus annually to check for inaccuracies or signs of identity theft. Visit Monitoring Matters to learn how to order your FREE credit report from each credit bureau.
□ 15. Secure Mobile Devices: Use passcodes or biometric authentication (finger print log in) on your mobile devices and encrypt sensitive data stored on them. Go to your devices security settings to learn how to encrypt stored data.
□ 16. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making financial transactions over public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be vulnerable to interception.
□ 17. Dispose of Electronics Securely: When disposing of old computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices, ensure that all personal data is wiped securely. Learn the four steps you need to take in our blog: How to Remove Your Personal Information Before You Get Rid of Your Phone.
□ 18. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or letters offering prizes, grants, or other opportunities that seem too good to be true.
□ 19. Educate Yourself and Family Members: Educate yourself and your family members about the risks of identity theft and how to prevent it, especially children and elderly family members who may be more vulnerable.
□ 20. Report Suspicious Activity Promptly: If you suspect you've become a victim of identity theft, report it to the relevant authorities, including your financial institution, credit bureaus, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as soon as possible. Refer to the Identity Theft Reporting Checklist below for details on how to report identity theft.
These preventive measures can help significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
REPORT: Identity Theft Reporting Checklist
One-third of Americans have been victimized by identity theft schemes, according to IdentityTheft.org. Upwards of 300,000 more are expected to have their personal information leveraged by criminals who rack up credit card debt, take out loans, and open bank accounts to write bad checks. Unraveling the damage done by scammers requires prompt actions. If you or someone you know has been the victim of identity theft, the following are ways to report the incident so that you can get to work to repair your financial reputation.
How to Report Identity Theft
There are several telltale signs that may indicate you have fallen victim to identity theft. An unusual dip in your credit score, unauthorized credit card transactions, a loan denial, or the post office stops delivering your mail are red flags. If you suspect something is amiss, consider taking the following steps:
1. Contact the Fraud Department at your Financial Institution, Credit Card Issuer or Other Places Where You Have Accounts and Know Fraud Occurred
It’s important to keep in mind that the FDIC and NCUA do not necessarily cover identity theft losses to checking accounts. That’s why numerous financial institutions offer fraud and identity theft protections. Research your individual protections and follow these steps to resolve identity theft fraud.
□ Gather your official personal identity information like account numbers, card numbers etc.
□ Compile a list of the fraudulent charges or accounts opened by an unauthorized individual. Print or download documents of each instance and account if possible.
□ Contact the fraud department or individual responsible at each company where the fraud occurred to request an immediate freeze on accounts or for fraudulent loans to be closed. Have the organization issue new checks and credit or debit cards if applicable.
□ Make sure to request that they notify the credit reporting bureaus.
□ Change logins, passwords, and PINS for your accounts.
QUICK TIP: You might have to contact these companies again after you have an FTC Identity Theft Report.
2. Notify the Credit Reporting Agencies and Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
The three major credit reporting bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — are valuable resources in the battle to halt further identity theft. If you suspect someone has leveraged your personal identity information, these are proactive measures to protect your credit score.
□ Gather your official personal identity and financial records.
□ Place a free, one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus listed below. The bureau you contact is obligated to inform the other two.
Equifax Credit Report Services or call 800-685-1111
Experian Fraud Center (888) 397-3742
TransUnion Fraud Alert (888) 909-8872
QUICK TIP: A fraud alert is free. It will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. When you have an alert on your report, a business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. You can renew or extend the fraud alert after one year. You'll get a letter from each credit bureau. It will confirm that they placed a fraud alert on your file. For more information on an extended fraud alert, check out the table in the Identity Theft Repair Section below.
□ Request a free copy of your annual credit report. You could request a copy of your credit report by contacting each of the three credit bureaus, but there's a better alternative. AnnualCreditReport.com is authorized by Federal law to serve as the single source to provide a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. Consider ordering one from each of the credit bureaus every four months.
Below are the three ways you can obtain your free credit reports. Highlight any errors or omissions. Contact the credit bureaus and request corrections. Make sure to stay on top of your credit history.
Online: Visit www.annualcreditreport.com and complete the online form. This Annual Credit Report website offers the easiest way to obtain a copy of your credit report. This platform is self-explanatory and does not require a credit card or payment information.
By Phone: Call (877) 322-8228 and request copies.
By Mail: Download, complete, and mail the official form to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
□ If the anomalies lead you to believe identity theft fraud occurred, request a credit freeze. A credit freeze requires organizations to get your approval before accessing your credit history. For more information on credit freeze and how it works, read to the table below.
□ File any additional identity theft incidents with the FTC and local law enforcement.
QUICK TIP: You can check your reports online every week for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your reports regularly and make note of any transaction or account you don't recognize. This will help you report the theft to the FTC and police.
3. File a Complaint with the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the primary agency handling fraud and identity theft crimes. It's in your best interest to promptly file a report with the FTC to document the incident. These are the steps you'll need to follow.
□ Gather official items to prove your identity to the FTC. (Documents typically include a Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate, passport, and state-issued or military I.D.)
□ Gather impacted financial account numbers such as credit cards, checking accounts, loans, taxes, medical insurance, etc.
□ Visit IdentityTheft.gov and complete the online form, or call 1-877-438-4338 and report identity theft, ensuring that all forms are completed to provide the FTC with compromised account information. If you don't create an account, you must print and save your Identity Theft Report and recovery plan immediately. Once you leave the page, you won't be able to access or update them.
□ Print out the FTC complaint.
□ File a complaint with local law enforcement and request a copy of the police report for your records. Speak with an officer and be prepared to provide evidence of the crime. Make sure to bring: a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report, a government-issued I.D. with a photo, proof of your address (mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utilities bill), any other proof you have of the theft (bills, IRS notices, etc.).
QUICK TIP: IdentityTheft.gov will create your Identity Theft Report and recovery plan based on the information you enter. Your identity theft report proves to businesses that someone stole your identity. It also guarantees you certain rights.
RECOVER: Identity Theft Repairing Your Credit Score Checklist
There are wide-reaching implications to identity theft fraud. Take the following measures to repair the damage to your credit score.
How to Repair the Damage
□ After filing an FTC Identity Theft Report, call the fraud department of each business where an account was opened. Have them send you an official email or letter that indicates you are not responsible for the fraudulent account, it has been closed, and you are not liable for the charges. Ask them to include that it was removed from your credit report. Hold onto this letter in case the fraudulent account appears on your credit report later on. Take note of who you spoke with as well as the date and time.
QUICK TIP: The business may require you to send them a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report or complete a special dispute form. Click here for a sample letter that may help.
□ If necessary, correct your credit report by contacting each of the three credit bureaus. Both the credit bureau and the business that supplied the information to a credit bureau is obligated to correct information that’s wrong or incomplete in your report. And they have to do it for free. To correct mistakes in your report, contact the credit bureau and the business that reported the inaccurate information. Tell them you want to dispute that information on your report.
You can dispute any wrong information in writing, online, or by phone. Use this sample letter to help you explain in writing what you think is wrong. Send your letter by certified mail and pay for a return receipt so that you have a record that it was received. Keep copies of everything you sent. For online or phone disputes, refer to the information below.
| How to Dispute Credit Report Items | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Experian | TransUnion | Equifax | |
| Online | Dispute website | Dispute website | Dispute website |
| Experian P.O. Box 4500Allen, TX 75013 |
TransUnion Consumer Solutions P.O. Box 2000Chester, PA 19016-2000 |
Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 740256Atlanta, GA 30374-0256 |
|
| Phone | 855-414-6048 | 800-916-8800 | 888-378-4329 |
QUICK TIP: If someone steals your identity, you have the right to remove fraudulent information from your credit report. This is called blocking. Once the information is blocked, it won’t show up on your credit report, and companies can’t try to collect the debt from you. If you have an FTC Identity Theft Report, credit bureaus must honor your request to block this information.
If you don’t have an FTC Identity Theft Report, you can still dispute incorrect information in your credit file. It can take longer, and there’s no guarantee that the credit bureaus will remove the information.
The Difference Between an Extended Fraud Alert and Credit Freeze
□ Consider filing for an extended fraud credit alert or credit freeze available to victims of identity theft with the credit bureaus. The chart below highlights the differences and may help you decide which might be right for you.
□ Review your credit reports often. You can check your reports online every week for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. This can help you spot any new fraud quickly. Learn how to monitor your credit report for early signs of identity theft and how to order your free credit report; visit our website page, "How you can take control of your credit history."
Additional Steps Based on Your Unique Situation
□ Review work history by opening a Social Security account at SSA.gov.
□ File for a replacement Social Security card at SSA.gov.
□ Have any lost or stolen official IDs replaced.
□ Contact the U.S. State Department if your passport was lost or stolen to complete a form online or by mail. Do not report a passport lost or stolen if it has expired. When you report your valid passport lost or stolen, it will be cancelled immediately. You cannot use it for international travel even if you find it later. To replace your valid lost or stolen passport, you must take additional actions. Visit the US Department of State to learn more.
□ Send debt collectors the FTC complaint, police report, and a letter to stop contacting you.
□ Close impacted utility accounts and establish new ones.
□ Report student loan related fraud immediately by contacting both the U.S Department of Education Office of Inspector General Hotline (1-800-647-8733 - if the loan was a federal one) and fill out the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov report. You should also call the lender’s fraud department to notify them that you have been a victim of identity theft. Ask them to close or freeze the accounts immediately. Get in touch with the school where the thief used to take out the loan and ask them to close the loan account and provide you with a letter stating that they have done so as soon as possible.
□ Victims of tax-related identity theft need to file an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, also known as IRS Form 14039, before the IRS can begin resolving the problem. The IRS allows consumers to report identity theft to the IRS electronically through the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website.
□ Contact each health insurance provider, physician’s office, and facility to report medical fraud.
Middlesex Federal Wants to Help Prevent Identity Theft
Middlesex Federal cares about your safety and security; we take fraud and identity theft seriously. While we hope that you neve become the victim of identity theft, we want you to have the steps you'll need to recover and repair if need be. For more information on how to prevent, report, and recover from identity theft and other types of fraud visit us online to explore other resources.
