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Identity Theft Information
If Your Keys Were Taken
Change or re-key whichever locks need to be changed for protection.
If Your Checks or Credit Cards Were Taken
Notify your bank if you have not already done so, and then call the three credit reporting bureaus to report the loss and ask them to put a fraud alert on your account so no new credit will be issued without contacting you.
Experian (888) 397-3742 www.experian.com
Transunion (800) 680-7289 www.transunion.com
Equifax (800) 525-6285 www.equifax.com
If Your Social Security Card Was Taken
Call the Social Security Administration fraud hotline to notify them of the loss and get information on how to get a duplicate card.
S.S.A. Fraud Hotline (800) 269-0271 www.ssa.gov
If Your Driver's License Was Taken
Apply for a new license and "flag" your license as stolen (Identity Theft) at the DMV.
MN Department of Motor Vehicles (651) 296-2025 https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/
If New Checks or Cards Have Been Mailed To A Different Address
Call the U.S. Postal Inspectors about your mail being falsely forwarded.
United State Postal Service/Inspection Service (877) 876-2455
Local Postal Inspector (651) 293-3200 https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/
If Your Stolen Checks Or Cards Have Been Used
Contact the banks and/or business that accepted your checks and cards to notify them of the fraud and offer to sign any affidavits of forgery as needed. Encourage the banks and businesses to pursue charges against any suspects identified.
If Someone Has Stolen Your Identity To Get New Credit
Call the Police and/or Sheriff's Office and make an identity theft report. In Minnesota, identity theft becomes a crime only when any victim (person or business) suffers a monetary loss. Also, call the Federal Trade Commission identity theft hotline to notify them and get advice on how to proceed.
FTC ID Theft Hotline (877) 438-4338 www.consumer.gov/idtheft
FTC Fraud (Other than ID Theft) (877) 382-4357
Other Internet Resources For Advice And Information
- Federal Bureau of Investigations www.fbi.gov
- Privacy Rights Clearinghouse www.privacyrights.org
- PRC - Identity Theft Resources www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
- Internet Fraud Complaint Center www.ic3.gov
- NWCCC Website www.nw3c.org
- Cyber Crime http://www.cybercrime.gov
Other Phone Resources For Advice And Information
Federal Government Information Center (800) 688-9889
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself And Your Family From Being Victimized
- Do not leave your wallet, purse, computers, or valuables in a locked or unlocked vehicle at any time.
- Do not leave your wallet or purse unattended while at work, school, church, a social gathering, or at the health club.
- When you are away from your office and house lock the doors. Lock your house and garage doors at night. Keep your overhead garage door closed when you are not using the garage.
- Don't put your driver's license number on your checks. This makes it easy to get a false ID made.
- Keep all credit card receipts safe. Many criminals use numbers off receipts to defraud.
- Shred credit card offers you receive in the mail. Thieves steal mail and trash to get these.
- Never give your credit card number out to someone calling you. Make changes only when you call and remember, card fraud investigators, will never call and ask you for your number and expiration date.
The Good News
You are not responsible for monetary losses. The banks and credit card companies may refund your money losses (if any), although it may take some time while they are conducting an investigation in the case. Some can charge up to $50 per account, but most do not.
Helpful Tips
- Review statements. Carefully review all bank and credit card statements, cancel checks, phone and utility bills. Report any discrepancies.
- Check your credit report. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each credit reporting agency one each year.
- Place your number on the national do not call registry. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) maintains a national "do not call" list called the National Do Not Call Registry. You may register up to three phone numbers (including your cell phone number) by visiting www.donotcall.gov or calling 888-382-1222.
- AAA identity theft protection. AAA offers free identity theft protection to it's members.
- When in doubt, don't give it out. If you question who is contacting you, don't give them any private information. Scam artists can use personal and financial information to steal your identity, drain your bank accounts, and open lines of credit in your name. If in doubt, don't give your information out.