Identity Theft Info

On average, it takes 600 hours and $1,500 for an individual to recover from identity theft.  At CLB&T, we feel that prevention is just as much our responsibility as yours.  That's why we have created this page to provide you with helpful information.

ID THEFT AFFIDAVIT

If your identity has been stolen, be sure to complete the ID Theft Affidavit.

HOME COMPUTER SECURITY

Securing your home computer is one step in protecting your identity.  Click here to learn more.

FREE CREDIT REPORT

Consumers can receive a free credit report once per year from each of the three primary credit reporting agencies.  You can request all three reports at the same time each year or stagger them so you receive a credit report every four months.  To obtain your free credit report, click on the following link:

https://www.annualcreditreport.com

IF YOU'RE A VICTIM

• Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus:
  • Equifax
    • Order Credit Report:  800-685-1111
    • Report Fraud:  800-525-6285
    • www.equifax.com
  • Experian
    • Order Credit Report:  888-397-3742
    • Report Fraud:  888-397-3742
    • www.experian.com
  • Trans Union
    • Order Credit Report:  800-888-4213
    • Report Fraud:  800-680-7289
    • www.tuc.com

• Contact all creditors involved:
  • Let your creditors know that your accounts may have been used without your permission, or that new accounts have been opened in your name.  If your accounts have been used fraudulently, ask that new cards and account numbers be issued to you.  Check your billing statements carefully and report any fraudulent activity immediately.  Many banks and creditors will accept the "ID Theft Affidavit" available at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, to dispute the fraudulent charges.

• File a police report:
  • Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of a crime.

• Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
  • The FTC provides useful information to identity theft victims and maintains a database of identity theft cases for use by law enforcement agencies.  File a report with the FTC by calling the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline:  1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); by mail:  ID Theft Clearing House, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20580; or online at:  www.consumer.gov/idtheft.  Also request the publication "ID Theft, When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name".

• Additional Resources:

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse	Identity Theft Resource Center	Social Security Administration
3100 5th Ave, Suite B San Diego, CA  92103 619-298-3396 prc@privacyrights.org www.privacyrights.org	P.O. Box 26833 San Diego, CA  92196 voices123@att.net www.idtheftcenter.org	SSA Fraud Hotline P.O. Box 17768 Baltimore, MD  21235 1-800-269-0271 oig.hotline@ssa.gov www.ssa.gov

• Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Fraud Complaint Center - www.ifccfbi.gov
• US Postal Inspection Service - www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect

PHISHING

Phishing is a term that refers to the process criminals use to obtain your personal information for fraudulent purposes.  Read more about phishing by clicking on the link below:

Phishing Info - Adobe File (.pdf format)

ID THEFT BROCHURE

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has created the brochure "ID Theft".  The brochure is available by clicking on the following link:

FRB of Boston ID Theft Brochure - Adobe File (.pdf format)

ID THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

The American Bankers Association has created the brochure "Tools to Prevent Identity Theft" to help protect you against ID theft.  The brochure is available by clicking on the following link:

Tools to Prevent ID Theft - Adobe File (.pdf format)