1.     Someone is using your   identifying information (name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license number, etc.) to obtain goods, services, credit, and/or open fraudulent bank accounts

2.    Once you discover you are a victim of identity theft you should notify the following:

Credit Bureaus.    Immediately call and write the fraud units of three credit reporting companies – Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.   Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers.   The phone numbers are provided at the end of this brochure.   Ask that your account be flagged.   Also, add a victim’s statement to your report, up to 100 words, such as, "My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at (your own telephone number) to verify all applications."   Insist that the flag is put at the front of your credit report.  Be sure to ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your account, and how you can extend it if necessary.   Be aware that these measures may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened by the imposter.   

Ask the credit bureaus in writing to provide you with a free copy of your credit report every few months so you can monitor it yourself.

Creditors. Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently by phone and in writing.   Get replacement cards with new account numbers for your accounts that have been used fraudulently.   Ask that old accounts be processed as "account closed at consumer's request."  This is better than "card lost or stolen." When this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.

Creditors requirement to report fraud. You may be asked by banks and credit grantors to fill out and notarize fraud affidavits, which could become costly. The law does not require that a notarized affidavit be provided to creditors. A written statement and supporting documentation should be enough (unless the creditor offers to pay for the notary).

3. Law Enforcement.   Report the crime to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the case.   Give them as much documented evidence as possible.   Get a copy of your police report.   Keep the report number of your police report handy and give it to creditors and others who require verification of your case.   Credit card companies and banks may require you to show the report to verify the crime.   Some police departments have been known to resist writing reports on such crimes. Prior to January 1, 1998, the creditors (credit card companies, banks, etc.) were the only legal victims of Credit Fraud/Identity Theft.  California Penal Code Section 530.5 went into effect on January 1, 1998, thus giving legal standing to individual victims.   Some police departments have not yet received training in the new laws of Identity Theft.   Be Persistent!

4. Stolen Checks/ATM and Credit Cards.   If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies. Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers. Give the bank a secret password for your account (not your mother’s maiden name).

5. Elder Financial Abuse

Resources:
Equifax:  PO Box 105069, Atlanta, Georgia 30348.
Report Fraud: Write to above address giving your social security number, date of birth, and copy of utility bill or drivers license to verify current address. Call (800) 685-1111 for more information.

To remove your name from mail and phone lists:
Direct Marketing Association:
Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Telephone Preference Service, PO Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735

Useful Internet Locations:
Federal Trade Commission  www.ftc.gov/ 
L.A. County Dept. of Consumer Affairs    http://consumer-affairs.co.la.ca.us  Type "Identity Theft" into your web browser.