What to Do if Your Identity is Stolen
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. This information may include your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or passwords. It can negatively impact your credit, cost you valuable time, and result in financial loss.
If your identity is stolen, the recovery process can be frustrating and overwhelming. Read on to learn about the common signs of identity theft and the steps you can take to ensure a smooth identity recovery process.
Signs of Identity Theft
Stay vigilant of these common signs of identity theft:
- Debt collection calls for accounts that you did not open.
- Unauthorized charges on your credit card or bank statements.
- Receiving bills for items or subscriptions you did not purchase.
- Receiving rejection letters for loans you did not apply for.
- Dings on your credit report for accounts you did not open.
Steps to Take if Your Identity is Stolen
Take the following steps if you suspect your identity has been stolen:
- Contact your financial institution and freeze your accounts.
- Change your pin, passwords, and login credentials on any impacted accounts.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the following credit bureaus:
- Equifax.com (1-888-378-4329)
- Experian.com (1-888-397-3742)
- TransUnion.com (1-800-916-8800)
- Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at www.identitytheft.gov.
- File a report with your local police department.
Remember, being proactive and staying informed can help protect yourself from identity theft. Take action if you suspect any suspicious activity.
If you think you have been the victim of a scam or believe your Security Service account has been compromised, contact us immediately at 1.888.415.7878.
For more information and resources about fraud and scam prevention, visit our Fraud Awareness page.
