Identity Theft
Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security number, bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.
Identity Theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years, and their hard-earned money, cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.
Phone: 877-FTC-HELP
Other information on Identity Theft may be obtained by visiting the following websites:
If you believe that someone has obtained or used your personal information such as your social security number or date of birth, you may be the victim of identity theft.
Report the occurrence to your local police department.
Also consider contacting the following agencies:
Social Security Hotline: 800-269-0271
Credit Reporting Bureaus:
Phone:
To Report Fraud: 1-800-525-6285
To Request a Credit Report: 1-800-685-1111
Mail: P.O. Box 105873
Atlanta, GA 30348
Phone:
To Report Fraud: 1-800-301-7195
To Order a Credit Report: 1-888-397-3742
Mail: P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-2104
Phone:
To Report Fraud: 1-800-680-7289
To Order a Credit Report: 1-800-916-8800
Mail: P.O. 34012
Fullerton, CA 92834
Many people have received either e-mail or conventional mail correspondence from individuals claiming to be foreign nationals looking for help to recover money. These funds are represented as being withheld from the writer because of legal or financial "red-tape". In many cases, the correspondence, which may contain authentic looking documents, offers a significant "reward" for outside help. The victim of this fraud is generally solicited for temporary funds with guarantees that their reward will be substantial. The majority of these solicitations have originated from the African nation of Nigeria but may involve any foreign location or financial institutions.
If you believe you or others have received such solicitations, you are encouraged to contact the
United States Secret Service at (202-406-5850) or the local US Secret Service Field Office. They are the primary agency that has been investigating these schemes.
If you wish additional information please review the latest US Secret Service Advisory on "Advance Fee Fraud" at www.secretservice.gov/alert419.shtml .
