Identity Theft Checklist

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, take the following steps:

  • CALL THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, 1-877-438-4338, TO FILE AN ID THEFT REPORT.

    The Federal Trade Commission representative will obtain personal information from you and confirm how and when the fraud occurred.

    You will be given a reference number which will be required on the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Affidavit. This affidavit form is sent to those creditors who have opened fraudulent accounts in your name. (Further information on sending this affidavit form is listed below under #4.)

  • CALL THE THREE CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES TO PLACE A “FRAUD- ALERT” STATEMENT ON YOUR CREDIT REPORTS.

    Equifax 1-888-766-0008

    Experian 1-888-397-3742

    Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

    The “Fraud-Alert” statement requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. This alert stays on the account for 90 days.

    After calling, it is recommended you send a written request to each of the credit reporting agencies to extend the “Fraud-alert” statement beyond 90 days. You may request the maximum allowed time, which is 7 years.

    You will receive a free detailed credit report from all three agencies within 7-10 business days. If you want additional reports there is a $9 fee per report.

  • FILE A POLICE REPORT WITH THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT.

    Once the report is filed, you will be given a report/confirmation number.

    This report/confirmation number will be required on the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Affidavit form when you dispute fraudulent accounts reported on your credit reports.

  • COMPLETE THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ID THEFT AFFIDAVIT TO DISPUTE FRAUDULENT ACCOUNTS ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT.

    Once you receive the credit reports from all three agencies, check for fraudulent accounts being reported.

    Contact the creditor(s) who have opened the fraudulent accounts in your name. Request to have any account(s) closed that you feel have been tampered with or were open fraudulently.

    Complete the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Affidavit to dispute the fraudulent account(s.) This affidavit form can be found on the Federal Trade Commission Webpage at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Make several copies if there are several creditors to contact.

    Attach a copy of the police report, along with a copy of the credit report, to a notarized copy of the completed Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Affidavit form. Each copy of the Federal Trade Commission Id Theft Affidavit form being sent will have to be notarized. Keep a copy for your own records.

    Mail the above forms to each creditor(s) who has opened fraudulent accounts in your name.

    The creditors will investigate the fraudulent account(s) and determine if the account(s) can be deleted from your credit reports.

  • IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED WHEN YOU OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT WITH Minuteman FCU

    Place a password on your account.

    Have your ID scanned.

    Request new plastic cards (i.e. EZ Checks, VISA, and MasterCard) if you suspect they have been fraudulently used.

    Anyone in the Member Service Department can assist you with these steps.

    Minuteman FCU telephone number: 605.394.1772

  • FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, TO STOP PRE-APPROVED OFFERS OF CREDIT OR INSURANCE, CALL THE OPT-OUT HOTLINE AT 1-888-567-8688 OR VISIT www.optoutprescreen.com.