How to Report a Stolen Birth Certificate From Pennsylvania
A stolen birth certificate can very quickly turn into a multitude of problems. A social security card can be obtained with a stolen birth certificate. A thief can, in turn, open credit cards in your name. With such a vital piece of information stolen, you might feel as if fraud is inevitable. However, if you take the necessary and immediate steps to prevent identity theft, your credit can be protected.
Instructions
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File a report at your local police station. Save your case number as well as any paperwork.
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Contact the three major credit reporting bureaus and place a fraud alert with all three. If you place a fraud alert through Equifax, they will forward your alert to Experian and TransUnion so that you do not have to contact them separately.
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Call your bank and credit card companies and let them know your information has been stolen.
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Request a replacement birth certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Remember that only the person named on the birth certificate, an immediate family member, or an attorney can request a birth certificate.
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Inform the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that your birth certificate has been stolen. Someone may try to use your birth certificate to receive a driver's license in your name.
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Contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline and let them know your information has been stolen. Someone may try to obtain a replacement social security card and steal your social security number.
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Monitor your credit card and bank statements carefully and regularly.
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Tips & Warnings
Make it harder for someone to steal your mail and open a credit card in your name. Go to www.optoutprescreen.com to opt out of pre-approved credit offer.
If you do become the victim of identity theft, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Visit www.idtheftcenter.org for victim resources.
When attempting to resolve identity theft, keep detailed records when speaking to authorities or credit bureaus. Include the time and date as well as the name of the person you spoke to.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit birth marriage and death image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
