If You Are A Victim
Defend against identity theft by reporting it as soon as you suspect it.
- Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently and open new ones.
- Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports with the three nationwide consumer-reporting companies. The FACT Act established the National Fraud Alert System. Consumers who suspect they have been victimized by identity theft can place an alert on their credit files. This alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. An initial report stays on your credit report for 90 days. An extended report stays on your credit report for 7 years.
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
Social Security 1-800-269-0271
- File a police report with law enforcement in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This helps you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
- Report a missing driver’s license by calling the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Enforcement at 515-237-3221. They will check to see if an unauthorized license number has been issued in your name. You will then need to obtain a new driver’s license.
- If the theft involved mail stolen from your mailbox or an unauthorized address change, contact your local office of the U. S Postal Inspection Service at 515-253-9060.
- Notify the passport office to watch out for anyone ordering a passport in your name.
- Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
Online Click Here
Phone 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
Mail Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20580
- Document the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak to regarding the incident. Keep copies of all correspondence.