Did you know the fastest growing white collar crime in the United States is identity fraud?
Identity fraud is when someone commits a crime or fraud in your name using your stolen personal information. No one, regardless of background or financial status, is immune to identity fraud and various cyber threats continue to grow with no sign of slowing down.
If your identity is stolen, it can affect your finances, credit history and reputation.
If you are an identity fraud victim you should take immediate action by:
Flag your credit reports. Contact the fraud department of one of the three major reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion). Tell them you are an identity theft victim. Ask them to place a “fraud” alert in your file and confirm they will contact the other agencies.
Get Copies. Ask for a copy of the credit report. They are required to provide this free to you if it is inaccurate because of fraud.
Consider requesting a credit freeze. This means potential creditors cannot get your credit report making it less likely an identity thief can open accounts in your name. First, contact your state’s Attorney Generals office, then contact each credit reporting company.
Contact creditors. Contact your creditors about any accounts that have been changed or opened fraudulently. Ask to speak to someone in the security or fraud department.
File a report. File a report with your local police. Get a copy of the police report so you have proof of the crime.
Keep records. Keep records of your conversations and all correspondence.
You can call the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) for more information.
For more information about adding Identity Theft coverage to your homeowners or renters insurance policy contact your CSC Insurance Options Account Manager today.
Source: Travelers Indemnity Company