How to Dispute Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) protects consumers from any damages caused by identity theft. In an effort to prevent identity theft before it occurs, the FTC also outlines ways to safeguard accounts and other personal information from identity thieves. If you already have been affected by identity theft, you can dispute the fraudulent charges online or by mail. It is best if you report the incident as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

• FTC ID Theft Complaint form
• Credit report
• Police report

Instructions

1. View your credit report to verify that you have been the victim of identity theft.

2. Ask each of the three consumer reporting companies in the United States to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. You can contact Experian, Equifax and TransUnion by phone or mail. Placing an alert stops an identity thief from opening new credit and charge accounts in your name.

3. Close all bank accounts, checking accounts and credit card accounts affected by identity theft. Cancel all ATM, bank, debit and credit cards connected to these accounts.

4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Visit the FTC's official website to download the ID Theft Affidavit form. You can complete the complaint form online or request a copy by phone. Provide the FTC with the address where you want the form to be sent.

5. Print a copy of your FTC ID Theft Complaint form and take it to your local police department. File a report in the community where the identity theft took place. Provide any additional documentation concerning the theft. Request a copy of the Identity Theft Report (i.e. the police report with your ID Theft Complaint attached) to dispute any accounts and debts created by the identity thief. You can contact your state Attorney General's office to learn if your state requires a police report.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact information for the three consumer reporting companies:

• TransUnion

• Fraud Victim Assistance Division

• P.O. Box 6790

• Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

• [phone]

• transunion.com

• Equifax

• P.O. Box 740241

• Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

• [phone]

• equifax.com

• Experian

• P.O. Box 9532

• Allen, TX 75013

• [phone]

• experian.com

• Always report identity theft as soon as it happens.

References

• FTC: Recover From Identity Theft
• TransUnion
• Equifax

Resources

• Experian