go to www.idtheft.gov and report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Or, you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261. That website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
Online transactions are a great way for thieves to get your personal information. Take the following precautions to protect yourself from online thieves:
Identity Theft and your Social Security #- from the SS Administration: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10064.pdf
One way to protect yourself from identity theft is to opt out of mailings, e-mails and telephone offers. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) to opt-out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers. All three major credit bureaus use this same toll free number.
Remove your name from many national direct email lists through the Direct Marketing Association website or write to:
Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY11735-9008
Opt-out of national telephone marketers through the Direct Marketing Association (telephone preference) website or write to:
Direct Marketing Association Telephone Preference Service
P.O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY11735-9014
Consumers can obtain free copies of their credit reports annually, one from each of the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. You can contact the credit bureaus directly for a copy of your report:
To order a free copy of your credit report from the three credit bureaus, visit annualcreditreport.com.