The #1 consumer fraud complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission is
identity theft and it is one of the most frustrating experiences for
Americans.
This week the FTC unveiled a new form that simplifies the process of notifying
companies that your good name has been ripped off. Previously, victims of
identity theft often had to fill out a separate reporting form for each
fraudulent account opened by the identity thief. Developed by the FTC in
conjunction with banks, credit grantors and consumer advocates, the new 'ID
Theft Affidavit' is accepted by participating credit issuers, retailers,
banks,
and other financial institutions. If you find that you're a victim of ID
theft,
the FTC urges you to: Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major
credit bureaus and report the theft. Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on
your
file and that no new credit be granted without your approval. ·Equifax:
1.800.525.6285 ·Experian: 1.888.397.3742 ·Trans Union: 1.800.680.7289 For any
accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security
department of the appropriate creditor or financial institution. Close these
accounts. Put passwords (not your mother's maiden name or Social Security
number) on any new accounts you open. File a report with local police or the
police where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of
the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the
crime later. Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 1.877.ID.THEFT
(1.877.438.4338) to report the theft. For a copy of the ID Theft Affidavit,
log
on to
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/affidavit.htm
The #1 consumer fraud complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission is
identity theft and it is one of the most frustrating experiences for
Americans.
This week the FTC unveiled a new form that simplifies the process of notifying
companies that your good name has been ripped off. Previously, victims of
identity theft often had to fill out a separate reporting form for each
fraudulent account opened by the identity thief. Developed by the FTC in
conjunction with banks, credit grantors and consumer advocates, the new 'ID
Theft Affidavit' is accepted by participating credit issuers, retailers,
banks,
and other financial institutions. If you find that you're a victim of ID
theft,
the FTC urges you to: Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major
credit bureaus and report the theft. Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on
your
file and that no new credit be granted without your approval. ·Equifax:
1.800.525.6285 ·Experian: 1.888.397.3742 ·Trans Union: 1.800.680.7289 For any
accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security
department of the appropriate creditor or financial institution. Close these
accounts. Put passwords (not your mother's maiden name or Social Security
number) on any new accounts you open. File a report with local police or the
police where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of
the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the
crime later. Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 1.877.ID.THEFT
(1.877.438.4338) to report the theft. For a copy of the ID Theft Affidavit,
log
on to