ID Theft

1. Prepare a portfolio that establishes your identity. Example: birth certificate, baptismal records, proof of fingerprint record (military, employment, criminal), driver's license, passport.
2. Contact local credit reporting agencies, such as:
   • TransUnion - Fraud Victim Assistance Department 1-800-680-7289
   • Equifax Consumer Fraud Division 1-800-525-6285
   • Experian Consumer Assistance 1-888-397-3742

3. Report the identity take over to the Police Department. Provide copies of your portfolio, credit report and any letters or communications from creditors as an attachment for the Officer taking the report. The Investigating Officer will make a report identifying the individual as a victim of an identity takeover and have a set of fingerprints obtained for positive identification.

4. Prepare a form letter to the disputed creditors explaining the identity takeover and any pertinent information that you have learned. Include a copy of the police report and your portfolio information. Send this information, return receipt requested, to the creditors. Demand that the fraudulent information be removed from your credit report. Advise the creditor that a reply is expected and that failure to comply under the Consumer Protection Laws will result in a lawsuit against the creditor.
5. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling the Identity Theft Hotline, 1-877-438-4338 or on line at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
6. Keep a well organized record of all persons you have contacted with their phone numbers and what was said. Always/ALWAYS/ALWAYS follow up these contacts in writing.