Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Never provide personal financial information, including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords, over the phone or the Internet if you did not initiate the contact.
Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you believe is fraudulent. It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer.
Do not be intimidated by an e-mail or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
If you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company's Website by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously book marked, instead of a link provided in the e-mail.
If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institution. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.
Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission Online or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.
What to Do If You Fall Victim
Contact your financial institution immediately and alert it to the situation.
If your debit card has been fraudulently used, you would need to fill out a Statement of Forgery for Debit/Check Card. If you have disclosed sensitive information in a phishing attack, you should also contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file, which will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name. Here is the contact information for each bureau's fraud division:
Equifax
800-525-6285
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374
Experian
888-397-3742
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
800-680-7289
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission Online or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.