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Consumer Protection

Consumer Tips

IDENTITY THEFT

If you believe that you are the victim of identity theft:

• Contact all creditors, by phone and in writing, to inform them of the problem.
• Call your local police and give them a report.
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the problem:
  - 1-877-438-4338 (1-800-IDTHEFT)
• Call each of the three credit bureaus' fraud units to report identity theft:
  - Equifax Credit Bureau, Fraud - 1-800-525-6285
  - Experian Information Solutions (formerly TRW) - 1-888-397-3742
  - TransUnion Credit Bureau, Fraud - 1-800-680-7289
  Ask to have a "Fraud Alert/Victim Impact" statement placed in your credit file asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts.
• Alert your banks to flag your accounts and contact you to confirm any unusual activity. Request a change of PIN and a new password.
• Keep a log of all your contacts and make copies of all documents. You may also wish to contact a privacy or consumer advocacy group regarding illegal activity.
• Contact the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline:
  - 1-800-269-0271
• Contact the state office of the Department of Motor Vehicles to see if another license was issued in your name. If so, request a new license number and fill out the DMV's complaint form to begin the fraus investigation process:
  - In Pennsylvania: 1-800-932-4600