06/03/2013
Topic of the Week: Identity Theft
Identity thieves are resourceful and can use several tricks to get personal information. They may rummage through your garbage, the trash in business, and public dumps. They may also work or pretend to work for legitimate purposes such as medical offices, clinics, pharmacies and government agencies to get you to reveal personal information by phone or e-mail.
Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information
• You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
• You don’t get your bills or other mail.
• Merchants refuse your checks.
• Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
• You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
• Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
• Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit.
• A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
• The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
• You get notice that your information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account.
What to Do if Your Identity Has Been Stolen?
1. Place an initial fraud alert on your credit file
Contact: Equifax: 1800-525-6285
Experian 1888-397-3742
TransUnion 1800-680-7289
2. Order your free credit report for review of fraudulent charges
3. Create and identity theft report
A. File a Police Report within the city where the crime occurred/Affidavit
B. File a report within the local county where the crime occurred/Affidavit
4. Keep track of all letters sent, important deadlines, and contact made through this ordeal at all times. Also keep copies of all original letter sent.
MidKnight’s Private Investigations is glad to provide the fallowing information taken from the Federal Trade Commission’s website in an effort to assist victims of identity crime. For further information please fallow this link to the Federal Trade Commission for more information: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It’s a serious crime that can wreak havoc with your finances, credit history, and reputation — and can take time, money, and patience to resolve.
