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What to Do If Your Identity Is StolenIdentity theft is a crime that can happen to anyone and involves your personal information being stolen through methods as simple as stealing your documents or as sophisticated as “phishing” or spyware.If your identity has been stolen, it is critical that you act quickly to minimize any damage. If you aren’t sure, read these warning signs. Consider Taking the Following Actions
Once you have a fraud alert on your credit report place, a business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. The alert remains active for a year and can be renewed by you for up to seven years.
A security freeze is different from a fraud alert. Once your report is frozen, the credit reporting agency cannot release it without your prior express approval (with certain narrow exceptions). Under federal law, a security freeze is free, and obtaining one will not affect your credit score. To obtain a freeze, you must contact each of the credit reporting agencies and comply with their requirements. The agency must place the freeze within one business day, and if you request the freeze be lifted, they must do so within one hour. Learn more at their websites below: Experian Transunion Equifax
Texas law provides victims of identity theft the option of seeking a court order declaring that you are a victim of identity theft. If you are granted this type of court order, you may submit it to private businesses and to governmental entities to help correct any records that contain inaccurate or false information which resulted from the identity theft. ALWAYS: REMAIN VIGILANT Sadly, being a victim of identity theft once does not mean it cannot happen again. Take steps to prevent ID theft and remain alert! Identity theft cases surged in New York State in 2020, inflicting financial losses on individuals and threatening disruption to government programs as well as private financial institutions, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Read the May 2021 New York
State Comptroller's report The Increasing Threat of Identity Theft to learn more Thieves with access to personal information – Social Security number, birth certificate, PIN or credit card numbers, even pre-approved credit card solicitations – can steal your identity and apply for credit in your name, racking up huge debts without you even knowing that it has happened…until it’s too late.
Identity thieves also use individuals’ personally identifiable information for a variety of other purposes, including fraudulently obtaining medical services, unemployment insurance, prescription drugs or medical insurance coverage. To protect yourself, follow these suggestions: Safeguard Your Personal Information:
Protect Your Bank Accounts and Your Mail:
Protect Yourself on the Internet and Protect Your Computer:
If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft:
Certegy Inc.: (800) 437-5120
What do I do if my SSN has been compromised?If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
How do you check if your SSN is compromised?If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
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