If you are a victim of identity theft or other types of fraud, contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two, and they will place an alert on their versions of your report too.
• Equifax (800) 525-6285 or www.equifax.com;
• Experian (888) 397-3742 or www.experian.com;
• TransUnion (800) 680-7289 or www.transunion.com.
Also ask them for a free copy of your credit report to check for fraudulent accounts opened in your name. Report the identity theft to law enforcement, and insist on receiving a copy of the police report.
Next call utility companies, the Social Security Administration, financial institutions, and other lenders to notify them of the fraud. Follow up each conversation with a letter.
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