This page uses JavaScript. Your browser either does not support JavaScript or you have it turned off. To see this page properly please use a JavaScript enabled browser.
Members First CU of Florida Go to main content
Become A Member Apply for a Loan Branches ATMs
Home > Other Services > Member Benefits > Identity Theft: What to Do If You're a Victim
Identity Theft: What to Do If You're a Victim 5/20/2016

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics in a study for the year 2014, about 7% of persons age 16 or older in the United States were victims of identity theft. 86% of identity theft victims experienced fraudulent use of existing account information (e.g. credit card or bank account information). The study also shows that the number of elderly victims increased from 2.1 million in a 2012 report to 2.6 million in 2014. It is needless to say, that identity theft is a growing problem. While you can take steps to help safeguard against identity theft, sometimes even the most careful individual can become a victim. If you've fallen prey to identity theft, you must act quickly, but where should you start? Listed below are steps to help minimize damage and help you regain control of your finances and identity.

1 - identity theft

Contact the three major credit reporting agencies to let them know that you have been a victim of identity theft.

Once you have done this, you can choose to do one of two options. You can request a fraud alert or a credit freeze. A fraud alert will prevent any new accounts from being opened without your consent. A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, allows you to restrict access to your credit report. This, in turn, makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name because most creditors need to see your credit report before they can approve a new account to be opened. For longer protection, you can also put a 7-year fraud victim alert on your credit report.

 

Call the lost/stolen numbers for your card(s) and/or contact your financial institution.

In most cases, your current card will be deactivated and a new card will be sent to you with a new account number. If your checking or savings account(s) has been compromised, you may need to close the compromised account and open a new one.

Contact your local authorities and file a police report.

Once the report has been filed, make sure to get a paper copy of it. Creditors may want to see a copy of the report.

Monitor your credit report to keep an eye out on new accounts or activity that you did not initiate.

See if there are new inquiries from creditors that you are not aware of. These inquiries happen whenever someone has applied to for a new account, utility service, or has applied to rent an apartment or house. Also check the address information your credit report. Identity thieves will often use another address when making fraudulent account applications. If you find any errors on your report, contact all three major credit reporting agencies through their websites or in writing.

Equifax: equifax.com
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374

 

Experian: experian.com
Experian Information Solutions Inc.
P.O. Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013
 
Transunion: transunion.com
TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016

 

 

2 - identity theft

If you believe that your social security number has been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You may contact the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) SSA by filling out a form located on the OIG's website. They can also be reached by phone, mail, or fax.

SSA Fraud Hotline: oig.ssa.gov
Social Security Fraud Hotline
P.O. Box 17785 Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 1-800-269-0271 | Hours: 10AM - 4PM EST
TTY: 1-866-501-2101 (For the deaf or hard of hearing)
Fax: 410-597-0118

 


 

 

For more information on what to do if you've become a victim of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC's website has thorough in depth information on who to contact and how to report identity theft. You can also get scam alerts and information on how to get your free credit report from a reputable source.


 



How Useful Did You Find This Information?

Let Us Know

Powered by Delighted.

 



« Return to "BluePrint" Go to main navigation
I Want To
I Want To
Loan Center
Loan Center
Credit Cards
Credit Cards
Careers
Careers
Special Offers
Special Offers
Members First CU of Florida
InstagramTwitterfacebookemailWordpressYouTube
NMLS #405711
Equal Housing Lender National Credit Union Administration
This Credit Union is federally-insured by the National Credit Union Administration. We do business in accordance with the Fair Housing Law and Equal Opportunity Credit Act.
Members First Credit Union of Florida is not affiliated with Members First Credit Union (Kentucky)

Members First Credit Union of FL is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience in accordance with ADA standards and guidelines. If you are using a screen reader or other auxiliary aid and are having problems using this website, please contact us at 877-434-6328. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website to everyone. All products and services available on this website are available at all Members First Credit Union of FL branches.

 

Any external links or websites to alternative sites are not operated by Members First Credit Union of FL. We are not responsible for the content of the alternate site or their accessibility standards.

BACK TO TOP