Compromised Identity

The term identity theft covers a wide range of criminal offenses. When your identity has been compromised, the personal violation is overwhelming. Someone has taken over your accounts, used your information to commit crimes, or created a financial liability using your information.

Account Takeover/Creation

If someone uses your identity to assume control or create an account in your name, immediately obtain a credit report. You should also obtain a credit freeze to stop the criminal from opening more accounts. Make sure you notify the lender, banking institution, etc. about being a victim of identity theft.

We will need the following information for the report:

• How was the account taken over?
• How was your account used?
• If this is a new account, how was it created?
• What was done with the account (charges, service and money transfer)?
  • We need the locations of each one
• When was the act committed?
• When was the act discovered?

Online Banking

It is important that you create an online banking account. It is a great tool to monitor activity and track your banking records. With modern technology, banks offer services that will allow you to be notified on every transaction.

Medical Identity Theft

If someone has used your information to obtain medical benefits, you need to obtain the records from your insurer and obtain the information from each business where your identity was used.

Public Benefits Theft

Using your information, someone can obtain unemployment and welfare benefits. If you receive a notice about your information being used, please complete a report. You must also notify that agency about being a victim of identity theft.

Mail Interception

As part of an identity theft, the criminals may change your mailing address. If you suddenly notice your mail not being delivered or are contacted by creditors about unpaid bills you did not receive, contact the United States Postal Service. You will need to do this in person at the station that covers the delivery of mail to your area.

Your mail contains important personal information. It is important to routinely obtain your mail and to monitor your mailbox. See Something, Say Something is an integral part of stopping mail theft. Community Watch programs are also an excellent tool to hamper crime. If you see mail theft in progress, call 911.

Utility & Communication Usage

While utilities and communication companies want to make it easier for the customer to add accounts, they have also made it easier for the criminal to victimize you. It is essential that you have security questions in place and that you monitor your accounts. Unlike credit reports, these companies do not always report a new account creation. If you think you are, or may be, a victim of identity theft, contact these companies and make sure they are notified. You should also verify they do not have additional accounts in your name.

Since some of these are national companies, please find out how and where the account was created. The information will be needed for the report.