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Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized person uses your name, date of birth, social security number or other forms of identity to obtain credit in your name without your consent.

• Who should you contact if you suspect identity theft?
• Do you have unauthorized accounts in your name? Were your checks stolen?
• What you need to do before calling police

Who should you contact if you suspect identity theft?

• Alert your bank; they will start an investigation
• Alert the creditor reporting agencies
  • Federal Trade Commission (877) 438-4338
  • Equifax (800) 525-6285
  • Experian (888) 397-3742
  • Trans Union (800) 680-7289
  • Social Security Administration (800) 269-0271
• Request to have your accounts flagged and to be notified prior to approving any transactions

Do you have unauthorized accounts in your name? Were your checks stolen?

If bank accounts were established by in your name someone else or your checks were stolen contact the following check verification companies: (Businesses use one or more verification companies when payment is made by check. In cases of suspected fraud, your name and account number will be denied.)

What you need to do before calling police.

• Contact federal agencies if your credit was compromised in more than one state (Fairfax County detectives have authority to investigate these crimes; however agencies or businesses outside Virginia do not have to comply with our subpoenas.)
• Request copies of bank statements, credit card statements, drafts and receipts, sales drafts and the front and back of all checks
• Request a copy of your credit report
  •  There are three primary reporting agencies
    • Equifax (800) 685-1111
    • Experian (888) 397-3742
    • Trans Union (800) 680-7289
  • If any account is not accurate, the representative can explain how to have it removed from the credit report. It usually takes about 30 days for any activity to show up.
• Contact all banks or credit card companies that have established fraudulent accounts in your name
• Try to determine whether the application was completed in person, by mail, or over the internet