Identification Theft and Fraud:

 Identity theft occurs when someone utilizes your personal identifying information to acquire goods or services in your name through the use of your own credit cards, debit cards, checks, or other documents.

 How To Determine If You Are A Victim

 The first step in detecting that you are a victim of identity theft is as simple as monitoring your personal finances.  Look for the following:

    Bank statements that don't agree with your personal records.

    Unusual purchases on your credit cards.

    Unexplained changes in your bank access codes (PIN Number).

    Being denied a bank loan you should have qualified for.

    Missing credit card bills or other mail.

    Unusual telephone calls regarding personal or financial information.

    Unexplained charges on your telephone bill or other consumer accounts.

 If you are the victim of identity theft, immediately complete these steps:

 1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.

    Contact the three consumer reporting companies:

    Equifax: 1-800-525-6285;  www.equifax.com;  P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA. 30374-0241

    Experian: 1-888-397-3742;  www.experian.com;  P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

    TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289;  www.transunion.com; P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA. 92834-6790

 2. Close the accounts that you know. or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

 3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

 4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

  Click Here>  ATM Scam - How They Do It

  Click Here>  Paypal Accounts

  Click Here>  Lottery Scam - How They Do It

  Click Here>  Phishing E-Mail - How They Do It

  Click Here>  Charitable Organizations

  Click Here>  Internet Crimes

  Helpful links and information:

  Click Here>  Federal Trade Commission - Home

  Click Here>  Fighting Back Against Identification Theft

  Click Here>  Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft

  Click Here>  Consumer Federal Complaint Form Against - Businesses, Financial Institutions, Automotive, Retailers, Etc..

  Click Here>  Federal Complaint Form Against - Identity Theft

  Click Here>  Federal Complaint Form Against - Foreign Companies or Financial Institutions

  Click Here>  Consumer Sentinel - Fighting ID Theft & Fraud

  Click Here>  National Do Not Call Registry - Against Telemarketing Companies