Jordanians Warned of Rising Identity Theft and Financial Fraud
The Jordanian government is urging citizens to take immediate action to protect their credit and prevent further losses due to a growing concern over identity theft and financial fraud.
The Problem: Unchecked Identity Theft and Financial Fraud
Identity thieves are increasingly targeting unsuspecting Jordanians, leading to devastating consequences for victims. Experts warn that identity theft can result in financial loss, damaged credit, and even legal problems.
How to Protect Yourself
To combat this issue, the Department of Justice has provided guidelines on how to deal with identity theft, including:
- Closing accounts
- Reporting the incident to the police
- Visiting IdentityTheft.gov to learn more about the process
Additionally, three nationwide credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and Transunion - are offering free fraud alerts and security freezes to help individuals protect their credit.
Fraud Alerts: A Quick and Easy Solution
A fraud alert requires creditors to verify an individual’s identity before opening a new account, issuing additional cards, or increasing credit limits. There are two types of fraud alerts:
- Initial fraud alerts
- Extended alerts
- Servicemembers also have the option of active-duty alerts
Security Freezes: A More Comprehensive Solution
Security freezes stop new creditors from accessing credit files until the freeze is lifted. Under federal law, individuals can freeze and unfreeze their credit records for free at all three nationwide credit reporting companies.
Removing Fraudulent Information from Credit Reports
Victims of identity theft can request that fraudulent information be removed from their credit reports. This process involves:
- Submitting an identity theft report
- Providing proof of identity
- Writing a letter identifying the fraudulent debts and information on their credit report
The Jordanian Government’s Response: Raising Awareness and Taking Action
The Jordanian government has launched a campaign to raise awareness about identity theft and financial fraud, urging citizens to take proactive steps to protect their personal and financial information.
Contact Information for Credit Reporting Companies
If you are a victim of identity theft or want to learn more about fraud alerts and security freezes, contact the following credit reporting companies:
- Equifax Alerts: (800) 685-1111 or PO Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374
- Experian Fraud Center: (888) 397-3742 or P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
- Transunion Fraud Alert: (888) 909-8872 or P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016