Identity Theft

[ ahy-den-ti-tee, ih-den– ]  [ theft ]

The fraudulent appropriation and use of someone’s identifying or personal data or documents, as a credit card.
Source: Dictionary.com

What is identity theft?
The fraudulent acquisition and use of a person’s private identifying information, usually for financial gain.

Consumers fall victim every day to identity theft. Through check fraud, online scams, and deceitful phone calls, their information is being stolen and used.

Resources for Victims of Identity Theft
If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, visit the IRS for an outline of immediate action and additional resources.

  • Step 1 – Call the non-emergency number of your local police to file an identity theft report. Or visit www.idtheftcenter.org to file online.
  • Step 2 – Call the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or visit their website to create an Identity Theft Report and Recovery Plan.
  • Step 3 – Visit the Federal Trade Commission website for additional resources.
  • Step 4 – Place a “fraud alert” on your credit record with one of the following major credit bureaus:

Equifax (1-888-407-0359)
Experian (888-397-3742)
TransUnion (800-680-7289)

You can also place a Security Freeze to help prevent new credit accounts from being opened without your authorization through the three major credit bureaus listed above.

  • Step 5 – Monitor and close any accounts that were opened without your authorization.

If you believe your identity theft situation has extended to impacting your tax return, you should contact the IRS and request a IP PIN. To learn more about the IP PIN, click here for the IRS website.