Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How do I Respond to Identity Theft?
• What is a fraud alert and how do I place one?
• I called the credit bureau fraud line and they asked for my Social Security number. Is it okay to give it?
• Why can't I talk to someone at the credit bureaus?
• How long does a fraud alert last?
• Will a fraud alert stop me from using my credit cards?
• Can I still apply for credit after I place a fraud alert on my credit report?
• If I suspect that my Social Security Number was misused, should I have it changed?
• What else can I do to limit the chances that I become an identity theft victim?

Q: How do I Respond to Identity Theft?

A: If your personally identifiable information is being used by someone else for fraudulent or criminal purposes, such as applying for a credit card or obtaining loans in your name, making unauthorized purchases, or gaining access to your bank accounts or other private information, you can follow the steps below:

• If you find any fraudulent accounts or unauthorized access on your record, contact the security departments of the creditors or financial institutions that granted the credit and close these accounts.
• Place a fraud alert with one or more of the three major credit bureaus
• If you discover misuse of your Social Security Number, contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
• If your personal information is being used for fraudulent or criminal purposes, file a report with the local law enforcement agency. Keep a copy of the police report in case you need proof of the crime to show the bank, credit card company, or others.
• If you are a victim of identity theft, you can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by online at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ (click File a Complaint from the menu at the left) or via telephone: 1-877-438-4338 or TDD: 202-326-2502.

Record and retain the date and summary of all communications with creditors, financial institutions and the law enforcement agency.

Q: What is a fraud alert and how do I place one?

A: One proactive measure to consider is placing a "fraud alert" on your file with one or more of the three major credit bureaus (see #1 above). If you call just one of the credit bureaus, they will notify the other two.

A fraud alert will be placed on your file with all three and you will receive a confirming letter from all three credit bureaus. The free fraud alert service requests that any creditor contact you by phone at a designated number before opening a new account. The time an alert stays on your record varies for each credit bureau; however, you can request that the fraud alert be reinstated after the initial period has ended.

Q: I called the credit bureau fraud line and they asked for my Social Security Number. Is it okay to give it?

A: The credit bureaus ask for your Social Security Number (SSN) and other information in order to identify you and avoid sending your credit report to the wrong person.

However, exercise caution if you did not initiate contact. Take care if someone contacts you regarding an identity theft incident or some other security incident, particularly if the individual requests you to provide personally identifiable information such as your SSN, date of birth or financial account information.

Q: Why can't I talk to someone at the credit bureaus?

A: You must first order your credit reports. When you receive your reports, each one will have a phone number you can call to speak with someone in the bureau's fraud unit. If you see anything on any of your reports that looks unusual or that you don't understand, call the number on the report.

Q: How long does a fraud alert last?

A: An initial fraud alert lasts 90 days. You can remove an alert by calling the credit bureaus at the phone number given on your credit report. If you want to reinstate the alert, you can do so. If you are the victim of identity theft, you can place an Extended Fraud Victim Alert on your report by submitting a copy of a valid identity theft report that you have filed with a federal, state or local law enforcement agency. An Extended Alert will remain on your report for seven years.

Q: Will a fraud alert stop me from using my credit cards?

A: No. A fraud alert will not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts. It may slow down your ability to get new credit. Its purpose is to help protect you against an identity thief trying to open credit accounts in your name. Credit issuers get a special message alerting them to the possibility of fraud. Creditors know that they should re-verify the identity of the person applying for credit.

Q: Can I still apply for credit after I place a fraud alert on my credit report?

A: You should still be able to get credit. While a fraud alert may slow down the application process, you can prove your identity to a prospective creditor by providing identifying information.

Q: If I suspect that my Social Security Number was misused, should I have it changed?

A: The Social Security Administration very rarely changes a person's Social Security Number (SSN). And the mere possibility of fraudulent use of your SSN would probably not be viewed as a justification. There are drawbacks to changing to a new SSN. The absence of any history under the new SSN would make it difficult to get credit, continue college, rent an apartment, open a bank account, get health insurance, etc. In most cases, getting a new SSN would not be a good idea.

Q: What else can I do to limit the chances that I become an identity theft victim?

A: As a general privacy protection measure, limit the use of your Social Security Number (SSN) when it is not required. For example, if your bank or other financial account number or PIN is your SSN, you should request the financial institution to give you a different number. Do NOT use the last four digits of your SSN, your mother's maiden name, or your birth date as a password for financial transactions.

Always review your credit card bills. If you spot purchases you did not authorize, contact the credit card issuer immediately.

Updated October 20, 2006.