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Identity Theft Alert Issued
If you’re a victim of identity theft, take immediate action to protect your credit file. Flag it with a fraud alert and notify creditors to contact you for permission before opening new accounts in your name.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recovering from Identity Theft
To recover from identity theft, follow these steps:
Contact Creditors
Reach out to creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Send a letter documenting the fraud and request that they verify the information.
File a Police Report
File a police report to document the identity theft and keep the report as proof of the crime.
Contact Federal Trade Commission
Reach out to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the crime and receive guidance on how to protect your financial identity.
Resources for Identity Theft Victims
If you’re a victim of identity theft, consider contacting the following resources:
- Federal Trade Commission Clearinghouse: 1-877-FTC-HELP
- Credit Reporting Agencies:
- Equifax: P. O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374; 800-525-6285
- Experian: P. O. Box 949, Allen, TX 75013; 888-397-3742
- Trans Union Corp.: transunion.com; P. O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834; 800-680-7289
- National Resources:
- Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271
- Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- National Fraud Information Center: 1-800-876-7060
- Medicare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-447-8477
Additional Resources
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov
- Securities and Exchange Commission: sec.gov
- Commodities Futures Trading Commission: cftc.gov
- U.S. Postal Service: usps.com
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): fdic.gov
- National Center for Victims of Crime: victimsofcrime.org
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance: bbb.org
State and Local Resources
- Office of the Attorney General: ag.ga.gov
- Local police department: [insert local contact information]
- Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta: betterbusinessbureau.org
Remember to stay vigilant and take steps to protect your financial identity. If you’re a victim of identity theft, don’t hesitate to seek help from these resources.