Identity Theft
It is important to protect your information at all times and ensure that any business that obtains your information in the course of doing business is questioned by you as to how they are going to protect or destroy that information once they have finished with it.
If you find that you have been victimized, refer to the information supplied on this site. Follow the steps outlined and keep a personal file on each incident to aid in clearing up your credit. Included on this site are downloadable forms and tip sheets that you may print and use at your discretion.
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Check & Credit Card Fraud
If your checkbook has been stolen or lost, call your financial institution immediately and have a "stop payment" put on your checks.
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Computer & Telephonic 'Phishing' Schemes
Phishing is a scheme where criminals attempt to identify a legitimate email address by sending a familiar looking computer generated email message.
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Lottery / Nigerian Scams
Phishing scams can also occur through email or letter indicating in some fashion that you have won a lottery.
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Placing a Fraud Alert
If someone has used your personal identifying information, such as your social security number, date of birth, and/or name, to open lines of credit or to obtain services, you will first need to contact all three major credit reporting bureaus to place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit report.
Mail Theft
Criminals are stealing mail that contain personal identification that can be utilized to obtain credit. Some mail items include checks (routing and account numbers), credit cards, and/or application. By using check and ID writing software, offenders are making counterfeit checks and ID's in order to write checks for cash or to purchase retail items.