Protecting Your Identity This Holiday Season!

Happy Holidays!
While the holidays can be full of festive fun and celebration, it's also a time of increased identity theft. During the holidays it's especially important to be watchful of your identity! Read the following tips:

Identity Theft Can Happen to Anyone at Any Time It is important to know what to do in the case of suspected identity theft. Below are resources for consumers and businesses to report identity theft.

You Can Be Informed -Visit http://www.idtheft.gov/ and click on "Taking Action" for links to federal agency Web pages on ID theft.

You Can Protect Yourself -

Credit Bureaus
Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus and tell them that you're an identity theft victim. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, along with a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts.

Equifax To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285
Or write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian To report fraud: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Or write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289
Or write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634


Federal Trade Commission
If you've been a victim of identity theft, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Call the toll-free number or visit the Web site listed below for more information.
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

FTC Identity Theft Hotline: 1 (877) IDTHEFT or 1 (877) 438-4338

www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

The Federal Trade Commission also provides an online guide to help businesses safeguard sensitive data.

Visit http://www.ftc.gov/infosecurity.


Social Security Services
If you believe someone is using your Social Security number, report it to the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at 1.800.269.0271. You can also visit your local Social Security office or the agency's web site at: http://www.ssa.gov/reach.htm.


United States Post Office
If someone has taken your identity by stealing your mail, report it to your local postal inspector. Contact your local post office or visit http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov.