Identity Theft
Each year, millions of Americans have their identities stolen. The Federal Trade
Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to have the
information you need to protect yourself against identity theft. While there are no
guarantees about avoiding identity theft, there are simple steps you can take to
lessen the chance of it happening to you.
It’s important for you to:
DETER identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and
billing statements.
DEFEND against ID theft as soon as you suspect a problem.
Although South Beach Credit can help you with such situations as ID Theft we
recommend that you go to the FTC's website first. They have a wealth of free
information to get you back on the road to recovery. Like Credit Repair, ID Theft can
be resolved without the help of an outside company.
Below are links to their site:
Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to have the
information you need to protect yourself against identity theft. While there are no
guarantees about avoiding identity theft, there are simple steps you can take to
lessen the chance of it happening to you.
It’s important for you to:
DETER identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and
billing statements.
DEFEND against ID theft as soon as you suspect a problem.
Although South Beach Credit can help you with such situations as ID Theft we
recommend that you go to the FTC's website first. They have a wealth of free
information to get you back on the road to recovery. Like Credit Repair, ID Theft can
be resolved without the help of an outside company.
Below are links to their site:
By educating audiences at work, in your community, at your place of worship or
anywhere else, you can help the people you care about save time and money by
minimizing their risk of becoming victims, and reduce the emotional stress that
often comes with identity theft.
If you need assistance doing so South Beach Credit will be there to help.
anywhere else, you can help the people you care about save time and money by
minimizing their risk of becoming victims, and reduce the emotional stress that
often comes with identity theft.
If you need assistance doing so South Beach Credit will be there to help.
The Number 1 Crime
ID Thieves Plague NY
More people are a victim to this
crime than all others combined.
According to FBI statistics, ID Theft
is currently our nation’s fastest
growing crime. The FTC also
reports that “id theft/fraud” is the
fastest-growing category of
complaints the agency receives.
These trends became well-
publicized recently when an id theft
ring in New York stole the credit
histories of more than 30,000
people.
crime than all others combined.
According to FBI statistics, ID Theft
is currently our nation’s fastest
growing crime. The FTC also
reports that “id theft/fraud” is the
fastest-growing category of
complaints the agency receives.
These trends became well-
publicized recently when an id theft
ring in New York stole the credit
histories of more than 30,000
people.
 | |  | |  | |  |
This information was used to
spend enormous sums using
credit card numbers, empty
bank accounts, and obtain
fraudulent loans—causing
losses to consumers now
estimated to be greater than
$2.7 million. Law enforcement
authorities are calling this the
largest identity theft case in U.S.
history.
spend enormous sums using
credit card numbers, empty
bank accounts, and obtain
fraudulent loans—causing
losses to consumers now
estimated to be greater than
$2.7 million. Law enforcement
authorities are calling this the
largest identity theft case in U.S.
history.
South Beach Credit "Securing Your Financial Future"
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| |
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| |
 |
What are the first steps I should take if I'm a victim of identity theft?
If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible,
and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all
correspondence.
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.
Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in
your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer
reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only
need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call
is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of
your report, too.
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
www.experian.com
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order free copies of your
credit reports, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number
will appear on your credit reports. Once you get your credit reports, review them
carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you
didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that
information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and
employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it
removed. See Correcting Fraudulent Information in Credit Reports to learn how.
Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after
you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
What is a fraud alert?
There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, and an extended alert.
• An initial alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days. You may ask that an
initial fraud alert be placed on your credit report if you suspect you have been, or are
about to be, a victim of identity theft. An initial alert is appropriate if your wallet has
been stolen or if you've been taken in by a "phishing" scam. When you place an
initial fraud alert on your credit report, you're entitled to one free credit report from
each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies.
• An extended alert stays on your credit report for seven years. You can have an
extended alert placed on your credit report if you've been a victim of identity theft and
you provide the consumer reporting company with an "identity theft report." When
you place an extended alert on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit
reports within twelve months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting
companies. In addition, the consumer reporting companies will remove your name
from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years unless you ask
them to put your name back on the list before then.
To place either of these alerts on your credit report, or to have them removed, you
will be required to provide appropriate proof of your identity: that may include your
Social Security number, name, address and other personal information requested
by the consumer reporting company.
When a business sees the alert on your credit report, they must verify your identity
before issuing you credit. As part of this verification process, the business may try to
contact you directly. This may cause some delays if you're trying to obtain credit. To
compensate for possible delays, you may wish to include a cell phone number,
where you can be reached easily, in your alert. Remember to keep all contact
information in your alert current.
What is an identity theft report?
An identity theft report may have two parts:
Part One is a copy of a report filed with a local, state, or federal law enforcement
agency, like your local police department, your State Attorney General, the FBI, the U.
S. Secret Service, the FTC, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. There is no
federal law requiring a federal agency to take a report about identity theft; however,
some state laws require local police departments to take reports. When you file a
report, provide as much information as you can about the crime, including anything
you know about the dates of the identity theft, the fraudulent accounts opened and
the alleged identity thief.
Part Two of an identity theft report depends on the policies of the consumer
reporting company and the information provider (the business that sent the
information to the consumer reporting company). That is, they may ask you to
provide information or documentation in addition to that included in the law
enforcement report which is reasonably intended to verify your identity theft. They
must make their request within 15 days of receiving your law enforcement report, or,
if you already obtained an extended fraud alert on your credit report, the date you
submit your request to the credit reporting company for information blocking. The
consumer reporting company and information provider then have 15 more days to
work with you to make sure your identity theft report contains everything they need.
They are entitled to take five days to review any information you give them. For
example, if you give them information 11 days after they request it, they do not have
to make a final decision until 16 days after they asked you for that information. If you
give them any information after the 15-day deadline, they can reject your identity theft
report as incomplete; you will have to resubmit your identity theft report with the
correct information.
You may find that most federal and state agencies, and some local police
departments, offer only "automated" reports, reports that do not require a face-to-
face meeting with a law enforcement officer. Automated reports may be submitted
online, or by telephone or mail. If you have a choice, do not use an automated
report. The reason? It's more difficult for the consumer reporting company or
information provider to verify the information. Unless you are asking a consumer
reporting company to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, you
probably will have to provide additional information or documentation when you use
an automated report.
2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or
opened fraudulently.
Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company.
Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents.
It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters
by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company
received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.
When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)
and passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden
name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your
phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or on fraudulently
opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions:
• For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you
the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use
the sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to
the company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for
sending your payments.
• For new unauthorized accounts, ask if the company accepts the ID Theft Affidavit
(PDF, 56 KB). If not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute
forms. If the company already has reported these accounts or debts on your credit
report, dispute this fraudulent information. See Correcting Fraudulent Information in
Credit Reports to learn how.
Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter
stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the
fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account
reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the
identity theft took place.
Then, get a copy of the police report or at the very least, the number of the report. It
can help you deal with creditors who need proof of the crime. If the police are
reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incidents" report, or try
another jurisdiction, like your state police. You also can check with your state
Attorney General's office to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for
identity theft. Check the Blue Pages of your telephone directory for the phone
number or check www.naag.org for a list of state Attorneys General.
What do I do if the local police won't take a report?
There are efforts at the federal, state and local level to ensure that local law
enforcement agencies understand identity theft, its impact on victims, and the
importance of taking a police report. However, we still hear that some departments
are not taking reports. The following tips may help you to get a report if you're having
difficulties:
• Furnish as much documentation as you can to prove your case. Debt collection
letters, credit reports, your notarized ID Theft Affidavit (PDF, 56 KB), and other
evidence of fraudulent activity can help demonstrate the seriousness of your case.
• Be persistent if local authorities tell you that they can't take a report. Stress the
importance of a police report; many creditors require one to resolve your dispute.
Remind them that consumer reporting companies will automatically block the
fraudulent accounts and bad debts from appearing on your credit report, but only if
you can give them a copy of the police report.
• If you're told that identity theft is not a crime under your state law, ask to file a
Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.
• If you can't get the local police to take a report, try your county police. If that doesn't
work, try your state police.
Some states require the police to take reports for identity theft. Check with the office
of your State Attorney General www.naag.org to find out if your state has this law.
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
By sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important
information that can help law enforcement officials across the nation track down
identity thieves and stop them. The FTC can refer victims' complaints to other
government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate
companies for violations of laws the agency enforces.
You can file a complaint with the FTC using the online complaint form; or call the
FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-
4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional
information or problems.
How do I prove that I'm an identity theft victim?
Applications or other transaction records related to the theft of your identity may help
you prove that you are a victim. For example, you may be able to show that the
signature on an application is not yours. These documents also may contain
information about the identity thief that is valuable to law enforcement. By law,
companies must give you a copy of the application or other business transaction
records relating to your identity theft if you submit your request in writing. Be sure to
ask the company representative where you should mail your request. Companies
must provide these records at no charge to you within 30 days of receipt of your
request and your supporting documents. You also may give permission to any law
enforcement agency to get these records, or ask in your written request that a copy
of these records be sent to a particular law enforcement officer.
The company can ask you for:
• proof of your identity. This may be a photocopy of a government-issued ID card,
the same type of information the identity thief used to open or access the account,
or the type of information the company usually requests from applicants or
customers, and
• a police report and a completed affidavit, which may be the ID Theft Affidavit
(PDF, 56 KB) or the company's own affidavit.
Should I apply for a new Social Security number?
Under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration may issue you a
new Social Security number –- at your request –- if, after trying to resolve the
problems brought on by identity theft, you continue to experience problems.
Consider this option carefully. A new Social Security number may not resolve your
identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new
Social Security number does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because
credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old Social Security
number with those from your new Social Security number. Even when the old credit
information is not associated with your new Social Security number, the absence of
any credit history under your new Social Security number may make it more difficult
for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new Social Security
number wouldn't also be misused by an identity thief.
If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible,
and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all
correspondence.
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.
Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in
your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer
reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only
need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call
is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of
your report, too.
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
www.experian.com
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order free copies of your
credit reports, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number
will appear on your credit reports. Once you get your credit reports, review them
carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you
didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that
information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and
employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it
removed. See Correcting Fraudulent Information in Credit Reports to learn how.
Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after
you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
What is a fraud alert?
There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, and an extended alert.
• An initial alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days. You may ask that an
initial fraud alert be placed on your credit report if you suspect you have been, or are
about to be, a victim of identity theft. An initial alert is appropriate if your wallet has
been stolen or if you've been taken in by a "phishing" scam. When you place an
initial fraud alert on your credit report, you're entitled to one free credit report from
each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies.
• An extended alert stays on your credit report for seven years. You can have an
extended alert placed on your credit report if you've been a victim of identity theft and
you provide the consumer reporting company with an "identity theft report." When
you place an extended alert on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit
reports within twelve months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting
companies. In addition, the consumer reporting companies will remove your name
from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years unless you ask
them to put your name back on the list before then.
To place either of these alerts on your credit report, or to have them removed, you
will be required to provide appropriate proof of your identity: that may include your
Social Security number, name, address and other personal information requested
by the consumer reporting company.
When a business sees the alert on your credit report, they must verify your identity
before issuing you credit. As part of this verification process, the business may try to
contact you directly. This may cause some delays if you're trying to obtain credit. To
compensate for possible delays, you may wish to include a cell phone number,
where you can be reached easily, in your alert. Remember to keep all contact
information in your alert current.
What is an identity theft report?
An identity theft report may have two parts:
Part One is a copy of a report filed with a local, state, or federal law enforcement
agency, like your local police department, your State Attorney General, the FBI, the U.
S. Secret Service, the FTC, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. There is no
federal law requiring a federal agency to take a report about identity theft; however,
some state laws require local police departments to take reports. When you file a
report, provide as much information as you can about the crime, including anything
you know about the dates of the identity theft, the fraudulent accounts opened and
the alleged identity thief.
Part Two of an identity theft report depends on the policies of the consumer
reporting company and the information provider (the business that sent the
information to the consumer reporting company). That is, they may ask you to
provide information or documentation in addition to that included in the law
enforcement report which is reasonably intended to verify your identity theft. They
must make their request within 15 days of receiving your law enforcement report, or,
if you already obtained an extended fraud alert on your credit report, the date you
submit your request to the credit reporting company for information blocking. The
consumer reporting company and information provider then have 15 more days to
work with you to make sure your identity theft report contains everything they need.
They are entitled to take five days to review any information you give them. For
example, if you give them information 11 days after they request it, they do not have
to make a final decision until 16 days after they asked you for that information. If you
give them any information after the 15-day deadline, they can reject your identity theft
report as incomplete; you will have to resubmit your identity theft report with the
correct information.
You may find that most federal and state agencies, and some local police
departments, offer only "automated" reports, reports that do not require a face-to-
face meeting with a law enforcement officer. Automated reports may be submitted
online, or by telephone or mail. If you have a choice, do not use an automated
report. The reason? It's more difficult for the consumer reporting company or
information provider to verify the information. Unless you are asking a consumer
reporting company to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, you
probably will have to provide additional information or documentation when you use
an automated report.
2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or
opened fraudulently.
Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company.
Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents.
It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters
by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company
received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.
When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)
and passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden
name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your
phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or on fraudulently
opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions:
• For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you
the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use
the sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to
the company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for
sending your payments.
• For new unauthorized accounts, ask if the company accepts the ID Theft Affidavit
(PDF, 56 KB). If not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute
forms. If the company already has reported these accounts or debts on your credit
report, dispute this fraudulent information. See Correcting Fraudulent Information in
Credit Reports to learn how.
Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter
stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the
fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account
reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the
identity theft took place.
Then, get a copy of the police report or at the very least, the number of the report. It
can help you deal with creditors who need proof of the crime. If the police are
reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incidents" report, or try
another jurisdiction, like your state police. You also can check with your state
Attorney General's office to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for
identity theft. Check the Blue Pages of your telephone directory for the phone
number or check www.naag.org for a list of state Attorneys General.
What do I do if the local police won't take a report?
There are efforts at the federal, state and local level to ensure that local law
enforcement agencies understand identity theft, its impact on victims, and the
importance of taking a police report. However, we still hear that some departments
are not taking reports. The following tips may help you to get a report if you're having
difficulties:
• Furnish as much documentation as you can to prove your case. Debt collection
letters, credit reports, your notarized ID Theft Affidavit (PDF, 56 KB), and other
evidence of fraudulent activity can help demonstrate the seriousness of your case.
• Be persistent if local authorities tell you that they can't take a report. Stress the
importance of a police report; many creditors require one to resolve your dispute.
Remind them that consumer reporting companies will automatically block the
fraudulent accounts and bad debts from appearing on your credit report, but only if
you can give them a copy of the police report.
• If you're told that identity theft is not a crime under your state law, ask to file a
Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.
• If you can't get the local police to take a report, try your county police. If that doesn't
work, try your state police.
Some states require the police to take reports for identity theft. Check with the office
of your State Attorney General www.naag.org to find out if your state has this law.
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
By sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important
information that can help law enforcement officials across the nation track down
identity thieves and stop them. The FTC can refer victims' complaints to other
government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate
companies for violations of laws the agency enforces.
You can file a complaint with the FTC using the online complaint form; or call the
FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-
4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional
information or problems.
How do I prove that I'm an identity theft victim?
Applications or other transaction records related to the theft of your identity may help
you prove that you are a victim. For example, you may be able to show that the
signature on an application is not yours. These documents also may contain
information about the identity thief that is valuable to law enforcement. By law,
companies must give you a copy of the application or other business transaction
records relating to your identity theft if you submit your request in writing. Be sure to
ask the company representative where you should mail your request. Companies
must provide these records at no charge to you within 30 days of receipt of your
request and your supporting documents. You also may give permission to any law
enforcement agency to get these records, or ask in your written request that a copy
of these records be sent to a particular law enforcement officer.
The company can ask you for:
• proof of your identity. This may be a photocopy of a government-issued ID card,
the same type of information the identity thief used to open or access the account,
or the type of information the company usually requests from applicants or
customers, and
• a police report and a completed affidavit, which may be the ID Theft Affidavit
(PDF, 56 KB) or the company's own affidavit.
Should I apply for a new Social Security number?
Under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration may issue you a
new Social Security number –- at your request –- if, after trying to resolve the
problems brought on by identity theft, you continue to experience problems.
Consider this option carefully. A new Social Security number may not resolve your
identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new
Social Security number does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because
credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old Social Security
number with those from your new Social Security number. Even when the old credit
information is not associated with your new Social Security number, the absence of
any credit history under your new Social Security number may make it more difficult
for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new Social Security
number wouldn't also be misused by an identity thief.