A sad side-effect of living our lives online is the surge in identity theft. All it takes is one criminal getting your banking or credit information to cause a whole world of problems. While there are steps you can take to help prevent your identity from being stolen, such as using strong passwords/passkeys and guarding that information carefully, you have no control over the seller’s security.
If you discover your identity has been stolen, use this step-by-step checklist to prevent further damage.
File a Report at the Federal Trade Commission
- You can file your report online or call 1-877-438-4338 to speak with a representative
- You will receive an affidavit stating you reported the theft, as well as a personalized recovery plan
- Create an online account to be guided through the plan step-by-step
File a Police Report
Contact the Colonie Police Department non-emergency line, (518)783-2811, or visit the station to file a report. Request a copy of the police report and combine it with your FTC affidavit to create an “Identity Theft Report,” which is vital for clearing fraudulent activity from your record.
Alert the Credit Bureaus
Contact all major credit bureaus to freeze your credit, which prevents unauthorized lenders from opening accounts in your name. If you do not freeze your credit at all three, your credit report will still be available. Use the information below to freeze credit online or on the phone.
- Equifax: Visit the Equifax freeze credit page or call 1-888-298-0045
- Experian: Visit the Experian freeze credit page or call 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: Visit the TransUnion freeze credit page or call 1-800-680-7289
Contact Affected Businesses
- Call the fraud or security department of any bank, credit card issuer, or utility where the identity theft occurred
- Close the fraudulent accounts immediately and request written confirmation that the accounts are closed and the fraudulent debts are disputed
- Be sure to cancel any auto-payments set up to come from the canceled account(s)
Specialized Reports
Depending on what was stolen, you may need to contact additional specialized federal agencies:
- Social Security Number: Report fraud using the Social Security Administration form or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Stolen Mail: Report the theft to the United States Postal Inspection Service
- Tax Identity Theft: Contact the Internal Revenue Service to flag your tax return if someone used your SSN to file taxes
- State Specifics: New York residents can also seek guidance from the New York State Attorney General. Includes additional information for theft of specific documents, such as a driver’s license.
Summary
Identity theft can happen to anyone, even those who guard their accounts and documents doggedly. We hope it doesn’t happen to you, but if it does, follow these steps to report it and make a recovery plan.
