Help! I’ve Just Become a victim of Identity Theft

Unfortunately, it can happen to the best of us. If you discover that someone has stolen your identity to make unauthorized financial transactions, act fast to minimize the damage:

1. PLACE A FRAUD ALERT

   Place an initial fraud alert with one of the major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Explain that you are a victim of fraud and confirm that the other two agencies will be notified. Placing an alert if free and good for 90 days. The Federal Trade Commission also offers an abundance of information on Placing a Fraud Alert.

2. CONTACT UNIFY AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OR CARD ISSUERS IMMEDIATELY

   We can only help you if we know there’s an issue. Don’t hesitate to report fraud or any lost or stolen cards or checks to us and any other financial institution you do business with.

3. ORDER A CREDIT REPORT

   You’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the credit reporting agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com. Order one every month, rather than all three at the same time to monitor your credit at no cost over a three-month period.

4. CREATE AN IDENTITY THEFT REPORT WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
5. An Identity Theft Report (The FTC Identity Theft Affidavit and a Police Report) will help you deal with credit reporting companies, debt collectors and businesses that gave the identity thief credit or opened new accounts in your name. You can use the report to remove fraudulent information from your credit report and stop a company from collecting debts. Visit the FTC’s website for more information on Creating an Identity Theft Report. Or, reach them by phone at 1.877.ID THEFT (1.877.438.4338).
6. FILE A POLICE REPORT
7. To complete the Identity Theft Report, you’ll need to contact your local law enforcement office and report the theft. Be sure to get a copy of the police report and/or the report number. Both your police report and the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit combine to create your Identity Theft Report. Your Identity Theft Report will help you when working with the credit reporting agencies or any other companies the identity thief may have used to open accounts in your name. 
8. KEEP GOOD RECORDS

   Resolving identity theft isn’t easy. It takes multiple phone calls and letters, and varies by the severity and depth of the crime. Create a system to organize your papers and calls, and to track deadlines. You will need this information later when dealing with companies where fraud has been committed.