Credit Fraud Prevention Toolkit
Stop fraud before it happens — control the damage if it does
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST CREDIT FRAUD
Know your credit report
Monitoring your credit is the first step in preventing fraud. Order your credit report at least once a year and immediately report any
unfamiliar accounts or charges.
Your rights under the FACT Act
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act was signed into law in December 2003. This law incorporates new privacy regulations,
identity theft protection, dispute procedures and the distribution of free annual Personal Credit Reports. This means that you can review a
free copy of your Personal Credit Report every 12 months. You can request your FACT Act Personal Credit Reports from each of the credit
reporting agencies online at www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also submit your request by calling (877) 322-8228 or by mail (see
details online).
Guard your identity
Destroy credit card and bank statements, credit card offers, and credit card receipts before discarding. Carry only the identification and
credit cards you need that day. Never carry social security cards, birth certificates, or passports unless you have to. Don't print your social
security number on your driver's license.
Memorize PINs and passwords
Don't write down or carry PINs or passwords with you. Choose a password or PIN that's easy to remember, and memorize it. But be careful to
avoid obvious passwords like birthdays, phone numbers, or addresses.
Avoid credit repair scams
So-called “credit repair” companies can't do anything to repair your credit other than what you could do yourself. All they can do is dispute
information contained on your report and have inaccuracies corrected for no charge. However, they often use deceptive or even illegal
practices. If you believe a credit repair company is breaking the law, report them to your state authorities and the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC).
Protect your information
Keep a copy of all account information, including account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers for fraud departments and
customer service in a secure place. Never disclose social security numbers or other personal information over the telephone or Internet
unless it is to a trusted source.
Watch for the signs
The sooner you detect credit fraud, the less damage it can do. Know the warning signs and be ready to act. Watch for missing statements or
bills, unusual charges on your accounts, incoming letters informing you that you've been approved or denied credit you didn't apply for, or
bills and statements you don't recognize.
Act quickly
If you have any reason to suspect credit fraud, contact banks, creditors, and the three main credit information providers immediately. You
can get access to your credit report at www.transunion.com.
Remember, you're entitled to copies of your report at no charge if you think you have been the victim of identity theft:
TransUnion Experian Equifax
P.O. Box 2000 P.O. Box 2002 P.O. Box 740256
Chester, PA 19016 Allen, TX 75013 Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 680-7289 (888) 397-3742 (800) 525-6285
If you have any questions or need advice, call (800) 680-7289 to contact the Fraud Victim Assistance Department today.
Contain, restore, and rebuild
Steps to recover from credit fraud
Step 1: Add a fraud alert
Have TransUnion add an initial, extended, or active duty fraud alert to your credit file advising potential creditors to contact you personally
before approving any applications made in your name. You only need to make a single request, and we will automatically inform the other
two national credit reporting agencies.
Step 2: Inspect your credit reports
Visit www.transunion.com or call (800) 680-7289 to request your report. Dispute all information that you don't recognize. Provide a copy of
your police report, a notarized FTC fraud affidavit, or other relevant documentation of proof with your dispute.
Step 3: Report the fraud
Notify your local, state, and federal law enforcement offices immediately. Be sure to request a case number and a copy of the police report
to provide TransUnion's Fraud Victim Assistance Department.
Step 4: Contact credit financial institutions
Notify your credit institutions and banks as soon as possible. Document the fraud to avoid responsibility for fraudulent debts. Keep a log of
all phone conversations, including names of people with whom you spoke.
