If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft or know that you are a victim of identity theft, the first step you should take is to place a 90-Day Fraud Alert on all three of your credit reports. To place a fraud alert you can contact the Credit Reporting Agencies’ (CRAs) automated telephone system – Experian (888) 397-3742, Equifax (800) 525-6285, and TransUnion (800) 680-7289. A common concern that’s come to our attention is if providing your Social Security number (SSN) through these automated telephone systems is safe? The answer is yes. In order for the CRAs to successfully place the alert, you will need to provide them with your SSN.
There is another way you can place a fraud alert and that is by writing to the CRAs. To place a 90-Day Fraud Alert via writing you will have to send in your written request along with copies of the following identification documents: copy of your state ID or Driver’s License card, a copy of your Social Security card, and a copy of a bill or statement that reflects the same name and address that appears on your state identification card. To place the fraud alert via writing, you should write to:
Experian Inc. - PO Box 9701, Allen, TX 75013
Equifax Inc. - PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374
TransUnion LLC - PO Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834
Please do not send envelopes with Personal Identifying Information via regular mail. You should always send such correspondence via Certified Mail Return Receipt. Now, if neither the automated system nor the written request appeal to you, you can place the alerts by visiting the websites of each of the CRAs: www.experian.com, www.equifax.com, and www.transunion.com.
Once you have successfully placed the fraud alerts, allow 7-14 business days in order to receive written confirmation of the alert. Each CRA will send you a letter confirming the alerts and give you the opportunity to order a free copy of your credit report. Please be sure to read the entire letter.
If you have any questions regarding Fraud Alerts or identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at (888) 400-5530.
____________________________
Gabby Beltran
Identity Theft Resource Center
