FAQ’s

Common questions and answers about identity theft, fraud, and protection.

 

What is identity theft?

According to the United States Department of Justice, the terms identity theft and identity fraud refer to “all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

Why do I need identity theft protection?

Identity theft occurs every 3 seconds to someone in the US. With identity theft protection from Identity Theft Fraud Solutions, we can help you avoid this very difficult and unpleasant occurrence. We constantly search and monitor more than 1,500 databases of information in order to comprehensively detect identity theft. We provide you with extensive advice on how best to protect your ID. And if you fall victim to ID theft, one of our specially trained recovery advocates will work with you every step of the way to restore your identity and recover any lost funds.

How prevalent is ID theft?

The Identity Theft Resource Center estimates that as many as 13 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. That is around one every 3 seconds. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.

How do you find out you’re a victim?

You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make or until a debt collector contacts you.

What can happen if you’re a victim?

While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.

How do thieves steal an identity?

Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personal identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. For identity thieves, this information is as good as gold. Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including:

  • Dumpster Diving: They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
  • Skimming: They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
  • Phishing: They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
  • Changing Your Address: They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
  • Old-Fashioned Stealing: They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
  • Pretexting: They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.

What do thieves do with a stolen identity?

Once they have your personal information, identity thieves use it in a variety of ways.

  • Credit card fraud: They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the cards and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your credit report and collectors start calling you. They may change the billing address on your credit card so that you no longer receive bills and then run up charges on your account. Because your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there’s a problem.
  • Phone or utilities fraud: They may open a new phone or wireless account in your name or run up charges on your existing account. They may use your name to get utility services like electricity, heating, or cable TV.
  • Bank/finance fraud: They may create counterfeit checks using your name or account number. They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks. They may clone your ATM or debit card and make electronic withdrawals your name, draining your accounts. They may take out a loan in your name.
  • Government documents fraud: They may get a driver’s license or official ID card issued in your name, but with their picture. They may use your name and Social Security number to get government benefits. They may file a fraudulent tax return using your information.
  • Other fraud: They may get a job using your Social Security number. They may rent a house or get medical services using your name. They may give your personal information to police during an arrest. If they don’t show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.

I don’t understand my credit report. Can someone from member services help me read it?

Because we are not a designated credit counseling organization, Member Services cannot help you read your credit report. We recommend consulting each of the credit bureaus’ websites for tips on how to read their reports. However, if you believe suspicious information on your report is the result of ID theft, please contact us and one of our recovery advocates can help you determine whether or not the information is fraudulent.

There are accounts on my report that I don’t recognize or that I believe are being reported incorrectly. How can I get more information about these accounts?

Sometimes credit accounts are named by the major bank that finances the card rather than the merchant or retailer with whom you opened the account. This can make it difficult to figure out what particular accounts are. But each account on your report should contain contact information for the creditor who is reporting it. You can call these numbers to ask any questions you might have about a specific account. If you feel that an account or even personal information is being reported incorrectly, you can also contact the credit bureaus directly by using the phone number provided on your report. They can help you dispute inaccurate information over the phone.

The credit bureau’s ask me for my personal information when I call or go on their website is it safe to provide them with this info?

As long as you can verify that you have called the official numbers for the three main credit bureaus or that you have accessed their secure websites, it is safe to give them the information they are requesting. They already have this information and, for your security, are verifying your identity. The same goes for when you contact Annual Credit Report.

How do I file a claim?

Your recovery advocate can provide you with necessary forms and instructions for filing an identity theft claim.