Protect Your Credit

Identity theft and credit card fraud are among theExperian: 1-888-EXPERIAN
fastest growing crimes in the U.S. It is estimated thatTransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
between $2 billion to $3 billion in credit card fraud isThe credit bureau you contact will then contact the
commited every year. The ways theives are able toremaining two bureaus and all three will send you a
gather the personal identifications of the victims of thiscurrent copy of your credit report, free of charge.
fraud vary. They include stealing credit cards, stealingWhen you receive these reports, look them over
from mailboxes, going through the trash of the victims,carefully. Note any accounts you didn't authorize or
and simply looking over the shoulder of victims.debts you don't recognize. Also check that all your
However, there are several steps you can takepersonal information, such as name, address, and
immediately if your credit card becomes lost or stolen,Social Security number are correct. If any incorrect or
or if you find bills in your mail that you do not recognizefraudulant information is found, contact the credit
or charges you did not authorize.bureau immediately to have it removed. Then continue
The first step you should take is to initiate a fraud alertto check your credit report on a regular basis to insure
on all of your credit card accounts. There is a commonno further fradulant activity is found.
misconception that by doing this it will prevent youAfter initiating a fraud alert, you should then
from obtaining any further credit cards or financing inimmediately close any accounts you think may have
the future. This is simply untrue. What a fraud alert willbeen violated and submit an ID theft affidavit to the
do is require creditors to contact you by telephonecredit card companies in question. You should then file
before any new accounts are opened in your name. Ita police report with your local police department and
will also require creditors to contact you by telephonealso file a case with the Federal Trade Commission.
before making any requested changes to any existingIdentity theft is a federal offense with stiff penalties for
accounts, such as increasing your line of credit.those who dare to attempt it and are caught. By
To place a fraud alert on your accounts, contact anyfollowing these simple steps you can protect your
one of the three major credit bureaus:credit and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285this very serious crime.