HOW TO REPORT IDENTITY FRAUD

If you suspect that you’ve been the victim of identity theft, act quickly. It can be the difference between only needing to make a few phone calls and password changes—and months of work to recover lost finances and correct your credit report.

How to track, stop and report fraudulent charges:

STEP

1

Keep records.

Keep all records of any fraudulent transactions, as well as any communications with creditors, government agencies and law enforcement. Include the date and name of the person you contacted about the fraudulent activity. Follow up any phone calls with a letter or email detailing what was covered for record-keeping purpose

STEP

2

Notify creditors and financial institutions.

Notify all creditors and financial institutions in writing and by phone that your name and accounts have been used without permission. If an existing account has been affected, ask for a new card and account number. Review statements and notify creditors of specific, fraudulent transactions.

STEP

3

Report this crime to your local police.

Include the documentation that you compiled as evidence and request a copy of the police report—with account numbers listed in it—as proof of a crime for any financial institutions that request it.

STEP

4

Report the crime to the FTC.

The FTC collects data from identity theft and stores it in a secure online database called Consumer Sentinel that is available to law enforcement agencies worldwide. The FTC also has a dedicated Identity Theft website and can refer you to various private and government agencies for further actions.

Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
877-438-4338
www.ftc.gov

STEP

5

Contact the credit bureaus.

Contact the fraud units of the three credit agencies. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

Trans Union Credit Services
800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Equifax Credit Services
800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian Credit Services
888-397-3742
www.experian.com

You’re entitled a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. To learn how to request one, get more information about credit reports.

The FTC also has a website pertaining specifically to recovering from identity theft which you can find here.

 

Report Fraud

Personal Accounts
800-236-8866

Business Accounts
800-728-3501

Treasury Management Services
800-270-2707

Lost or Stolen Card?

Personal or Business Debit Cards
800-236-8866

Personal Credit Cards
866-951-1389

Business Credit Cards
866-951-1390