Identity Theft
Precautions
- "Opt Out" of receiving pre-screened credit card offers by calling 1-888-567-8688.
- Order a copy of your credit report frequently ( http://www.annualcreditreport.com).
- Remove your name from mailing, telephone, and email solicitation lists.
- Mailing/Telephone Solicitation:
Mail Preference Service OR
Telephone Preference Service
Attn: Preference Service Manager
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 3079
Grand Central Station, NY 10163
- National Do-Not-Call Registry:
http://www.donotcall.gov
By telephone, call 1-888-382-1222
(Home & Cell phone numbers)
- Pre-approved credit cards:
Call toll-free 1-888-567-8688
(will be requested to provide SS # for processing)
To file a complaint about suspected violations, email
fccinfo@fcc.gov, or
call 1-888-225-5322.
- Place a continuous credit "fraud alert" on your credit report.
- Get a locking mailbox for incoming mail and use a USPS drop box for outgoing.
- Place a hold on your mail when going on vacation.
- Have banking checks mailed to your financial institution.
- Keep a list of all your account numbers and the telephone numbers in case of loss/theft.
If You are a Victim of Identity Theft
- Close all affected accounts immediately. Request that they indicate "closed at consumer's request."
- Call police and file a report. Get a copy for your records and to submit as proof to all other creditors.
- Contact all creditors/banks/ credit reporting agencies.
- Complete an I.D. Theft Affidavit.
- Place a "fraud alert" on your credit report that requires creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts.
- Stop payment on outstanding checks.
- Request new ATM/credit cards.
- Change all passwords and PINS.
- Contact your Postal Inspection Service if you believe your mail has been tampered with.
- Set up a folder to keep a detailed history of the crime. Keep a log of all your contacts and make copies of all documents.
- Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to see if another license was issued in your name.
ID Theft Resources
FBI:
http://www.fbi.gov; USPS:
http://www.usps.com IRS:
http://www.treas.gov/irs/ci
SS Admin: 1-800-269-0271;
http://www.ssa.gov;
Washington State Attorney General's Office: 1-800-551-4636
Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-IDTHEFT,
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Social Security Admin. Fraud Line: 800-269-0271
Federal Trade Comm. ID Theft Hotline: 877-IDTHEFT
3 Major Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 800-525-6285;
http://www.equifax.com
Experian: 888-397-3742;
http://www.experian.com
TransUnion: 800-680-7289;
http://www.transunion.com
Other Resources
Victim Advocacy Unit, King County Prosecutor's Office
W554 King County Courthouse
515 3rd Avenue, Seattle WA 98104
206-296-9000 8:30-4:30 M-F
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center 24-hours: 1-888-99-VOICE
HUSKY NightWalk -uniformed escorts-: 206-685-WALK
Report Threats, Seek Advice or Counseling: 206-685-SAFE
State Crime Victims Compensation Program: 800-762-3712
National Organization for Victim Assistance: 800-TRY-NOVA
National Center for Victims of Crime: 800-FYI-CALL
