Combat Identity Theft

Below are some tips for recognizing whether you have possibly been a victim of identity theft:

• If you find new accounts on your credit report that are not yours. A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Please visit www.annualcreditreport.com for more details.
• If you did not receive an expected bill or statement by mail.
• If unexpected charges occurred on your account.
• If there are charges on your account from unrecognized vendors.
• If posted checks appear on your account significantly out of sequence.
• If you receive credit cards that you didn't apply for.
• If you are denied credit or are offered less than favorable credit terms for no reason.

Alert a credit bureau with your concerns

If you suspect you might be a victim of identity theft, contact the three major credit bureaus listed below to place a fraud alert on your credit file. You also can order a credit report to identify any unauthorized activity.
Equifax 1.800.525.6285
Experian 1.888.397.3742
Trans Union 1.800.680.7289