Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized person uses your name, social security number, date of birth, etc. to obtain credit or services without your consent. These offenses are very difficult to pursue and specific financial documentation required can only be obtained by the crime victim. If your credit was compromised in several different states, a federal agency may more appropriately investigate your case. 

In cases involving identity theft, it is best to alert the bank concerning the fraud. The banking institution will conduct an investigation in an attempt to determine where and how the credit application was completed.

In the meantime, it is suggested that you take the following steps to alert creditors and obtain documents.

Contact the following agencies to report the identity fraud:

• The Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338 
• Equifax at 1-800-525-6285
• Experian at 1-888-397-3742
• Trans Union at 1-800-680-7289
• Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271

Request your accounts to be flagged and to notify you prior to approving any additional accounts. You may also request to attach a statement of explanation to your file. 

If bank accounts were established in your name or your checks were stolen contact:

• CheckRite at 1-800-766-2748 
• ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623 
• CrossCheck at 1-800-552-1900 
• NPC at 1-800-526-5380
• SCAN at 1-800-262-7771
• TeleCheck at 1-800-710-9898

Notify your personal bank(s) and credit card companies: 
Request copies of your bank statements, credit card account statements, credit card drafts and receipts, sales drafts, and the front/back of all checks. The Police Department will require these documents to investigate your case. Record the names and phone numbers of personnel with whom you speak.

Request copies of your credit bureau reports:
Only you can request a copy of your credit bureau history. The report will alert you to additional fraudulent accounts established with the use of your identity. If fraudulent accounts have been established in your name, you will need to contact all of the banks or credit card companies who have established fraudulent accounts. The Police Department will need copies of all of those statements, sales receipts, drafts, checks, affidavits of fraud, and credit bureau reports, record names and phone numbers. 

When speaking with the credit card companies and banks request copies of the credit applications. It is very important to establish if the application was completed in person, by the mail, or over the Internet. If the application was completed by mail, try to determine from where it was mailed. If the application was completed over the Internet, try to determine if an email address or IP number was recorded during the application process.

To order a Credit Report:

• Equifax at 1-800-685-1111
• Experian at 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion at 1-800-888-4213