HOME > Privacy and Security > Identity Theft Protection > Report Identity Theft
Who to Call to Report a Possible Identity Theft
The fraud department at any one of the three major
credit bureaus.
Ask for a fraud alert to be placed in your file at all three
companies. The alert tells lenders and other users of credit
reports to be careful before opening or changing accounts in your
name. Also follow-up with a letter.
The special toll-free numbers for the fraud departments are:
- Equifax at 1-800-525-6285
- Experian at 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289
Get addresses and other details at:
Your bank, credit card company or any other financial
institution that may need to know.
Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department, and
follow up with a letter. If necessary, close old accounts and open
new ones, and select new passwords and "PINs" (personal
identification numbers).
Your local police or the police where the identity theft
occurred.
Fill out a police report that will detail what happened and get a
copy for future reference.
The Federal Trade Commission.
Call toll-free 1- 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338). Fill out a complaint form
online at the FTC’s ID Theft Web site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Or, mail a letter to: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade
Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. An
"ID Theft Affidavit" available on the FTC Web site also can be used
to help you prove you are an innocent victim and help you keep
debts you did not incur from appearing on your credit report.
