 |
 |
ID THEFT
WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?
Identity theft is when key pieces of someone's identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, and mother maiden name, are used to impersonate that person. This personal information enables an identity thief to commit numerous forms of fraud, including taking over a victim's financial accounts, opening new bank accounts, purchasing merchandise, applying for loans, credit cards, and social security benefits, renting apartments, and hooking up utilities and phone services.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT
Note the date and time when you discover the theft of your identity. Keep detail notes.
Continue adding information to this log and retain it for future reference even after your credit has been restored.
REPORT THE CRIME IMMEDIATELY TO POLICE!
Obtain the police report number and record it for future reference.
Obtain a verification letter from the Records Division of the police department. A copy of this letter can be given to creditors when you dispute fraudulent charges.
IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE THREE MAJOR CREDIT REPORTING BUREAUS
The credit bureaus will help you minimize the damage to your credit.
The bureaus will alert you to any other attempt to use your identity.
NOTIFY ALL OF YOUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ABOUT THE IDENTIFY THEFT
Immediately cancel all credit cards and bank accounts if your cards and checks were stolen.
Ask the financial institutions to notify you of any attempts to use your closed accounts. Ask for the information to be sent to you, then report it to the police.
Ask the financial institution about procedures to contest any fraud charges. Keep copies of all written communication.
Record all information in your log. Remember to get the name and telephone number of the person who helped you. This will make it easier if you need to call back for additional help.
Monitor your monthly financial statement and credit reports.
Identify all locations where your identity was fraudulently used.
Contact the business and alert them that the charges were a result of your identity being stolen. Give them the police report number.
IT'S IN YOUR HANDS!
If you report identity theft and fraudulent charges promptly, your liability will be minimized. However, merely reporting it to the police is not sufficient. The police are powerless when it comes to clearing your credit history. The more people are aware of the theft of you identity, the more the likely they will be able to assist you in preventing additional fraudulent charges. Take control of your life by taking prompt action. Persistence pays off.
REPORT IDENTITY THEFT TO
Honolulu Police Department 911
U.S. Secret Service 541-1912
U.S. Postal Service 423-3790
F.B.I. 566-4300
For Information on ID Theft
Federal Trade Commission
1-(877) 438-4338Privacy Rights
1-(619) 298-3396
Links to more information on Privacy of Consumer Financial Information
For additional information contact the Community Affairs Section at: 529-3351
