How to Document an Identity Theft Crime Scene

You tried to protect yourself, but the worst has happened: Someone has stolen your identity, using your Social Security number or credit-card information to make fraudulent charges and stick you with the bill and an injured credit report. It's important to get your facts straight from the start, so try to keep a level head. Jumbled, conflicting information could lead your creditors to doubt your innocence. You need to know how to properly document an identity theft crime scene, which will ensure that you have done everything in your power to correctly report fraudulent charges and accounts.

Instructions

1

If someone has been using your Social Security number, report it by calling the Social Security Administration inspector general's fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271. Also mail a formal written complaint to: Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. Find more information at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig.

2

If someone has been opening new credit card accounts in your name or using your existing accounts fraudulently, notify the three major credit-reporting agencies, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Request a copy of your credit report from each agency. Because you suspect fraud, it should be free.

TransUnion: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
(800) 888-4213; www.transunion.com

Equifax: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
(800) 685-1111; www.equifax.com

Experian: P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742; www.experian.com

3

Once you have received your credit reports, find the accounts that are being used fraudulently, close the accounts immediately, and dispute the charges with the creditors.

4

If a new account was opened in your name, fill out a federal ID Theft Affidavit (available at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/pdf/affidvit.pdf). Send copies by certified mail to the companies involved. If an existing account has fraudulent charges on it, send the affidavit and documents to support it -- such as your police report or any collection agency notifications -- to the companies involved by certified mail.

5

Send a letter by certified mail disputing the fraudulent charges or accounts to the credit agency that is reporting them. (For example, if Experian is reporting a fraudulent MasterCard account, send a letter by certified mail to Experian disputing the account.) Request an initial fraud alert that will last for 90 days; after the 90 days, you may file for an extension, which will stay on record for seven years.

6

File a Miscellaneous Incidents Report with your local police. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.