You Can Prevent Identity Theft

If You Suspect Identity Theft

Report it to local law enforcement and request a copy of the report;

File a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) at 1-877-438-4338;

Immediately contact your bank and close affected accounts;

Keep a detailed log of who you have contacted and copies of all correspondence;

Contact credit card companies. Place fraud alerts on all accounts by calling:

» Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

» Experian: 1-888-397-374

» TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Minimize Your Risk of ID Theft

Never

  • Carry a Social Security card or multiple credit cards;
  • Give personal information over the telephone;
  • Print identification numbers on checks;
  • Answer unsolicited email.

Always

  • Remove mail promptly from your mailbox;
  • Review statements and bills promptly;
  • Shred personal mail and information;
  • Stop mail while you are on vacation;
  • Keep copies of all items in your wallet and keep it with personal papers in a safe place;
  • Only shop online through secure websites. A lock icon should appear in the address bar of your web browser;
  • Have checks printed with initials only and no street address. Pick up your checks at the bank, if possible.

BE PROACTIVE

Remove Your Name

You can remove your name from telemarketing lists by registering your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission’s National DO NOT CALL Registry. Call toll-free 1-888-382-1222

Monitor Your Credit Score

Request free credit reports annually from all three reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-322-8228.

Opt Out

Stop receiving offers of credit or credit insurance based on credit reports by contacting the Opt Out program. If you decide you don’t want to receive pre-screened offers, you have two choices: You can opt out of receiving them for five years or opt out of receiving them permanently.

To opt out for five years:

Call toll-free 1-888-567-8688 or visit optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies.

To opt out permanently:

You may begin the permanent Opt-Out process online at optoutprescreen.com. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request.

When you call or visit the website, you will be asked to provide certain personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out. If you don’t have access to the Internet, you may send a written request to permanently opt out to each of the major consumer reporting companies. Make sure your request includes your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

  • Experian » Opt Out P.O. Box 919 Allen, TX 75013
  • TransUnion » Name Removal Option P.O. Box 505 Woodlyn, PA 19094
  • Equifax, Inc. » Options P.O. Box 740123 Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
  • Innovis Consumer Assistance » P.O. Box 495 Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0495

Contact Info

Elder Helpline

1-800-963-5337 TDD: 1-800-955-8771

Department of Financial Services Consumer Hotline

1-800-342-2762

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Hotline

1-800-435-7352

Florida Senior Legal Helpline

1-888-895-7873

Elder Abuse Hotline 24-hour:

1-800-962-2873 TDD: 1-800-453-5145

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