Self Defense Against Identity Theft
Part One: What To Do if You Are a Victim
Flashmail
1. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (877–438–4338, www.consumer.gov/idtheft ), which runs the Identity Theft
Clearinghouse. Their booklet, “When Bad Things Happen to Your
Good Name” will explain how to clean up your accounts.
2. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to put a fraud alert
on your accounts. The bureau you contact can share the
information with the others.
Equifax: 800–685–1111
Experian: 888–397–3742
Trans–Union: 800–916–8800
3. Contact your bank and all of your credit card companies to cancel
existing cards and to have new ones issued.
4. File a police report to establish credibility and speed up the
process of claiming your identity.
Next Month – Part Two: Preventing ID Theft at Home
Portland Metro Area: 503–639–3009 • Salem Area: 503–588–0777 • Toll Free: 1–800–433–2320