National Consumer Protection Week: Identity Thieves
BOSTON (CBS) - This is National Consumers Protection Week. This is a national campaign to help consumers make better-informed decisions and avoid being scammed.
The following information about identity theft comes from the IRS. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, get your free credit report right away to ensure identity thieves have not opened additional accounts. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com , which is operated by the three major bureaus, or call 877-322-8228.
Next you should contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a "fraud alert" on your credit account. A fraud alert notifies lenders and creditors who pull your report to take additional steps to verify your identification before they extend a credit line or loan in your name
One bureau must notify the others when a fraud alert is requested. You'll get a letter from each credit bureau. It will confirm that they placed a fraud alert on your file.
A fraud alert is free, and it lasts for 90 days. You can renew it.
This makes it harder for identity thieves to open additional financial accounts, such as a bank account, in your name. This helps prevent identity thieves from directing fraudulent tax refunds into bank accounts they created or opening additional credit cards in your name.
- www.Equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance; 888-766-0008.
- www.Experian.com/fraudalert; 888-397-3742.
- www.TransUnion.com/fraud; 800-680-7289.
Three types of fraud alerts are available:
- Initial Fraud Alert. If you're concerned about identity theft, but haven't yet become a victim, this fraud alert will protect your credit from unverified access for at least 90 days. You may want to place a fraud alert on your file if your wallet, Social Security card, or other personal, financial or account information are lost or stolen.
- Extended Fraud Alert. For victims of identity theft, an extended fraud alert will protect your credit for seven years.
- Active Duty Military Alert. For those in the military who want to protect their credit while deployed, this fraud alert lasts for one year.
If you want even stronger protections or if you were part of a large-scale data breach, you might consider a "credit freeze" which applies even stronger protections but often times for a fee that varies by state.
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You must contact each of the three credit bureaus to establish a credit freeze.
What's the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert? A credit freeze locks down your credit. A fraud alert allows creditors to get a copy of your credit report as long as they take steps to verify your identity.
After receiving your freeze request, each credit reporting company will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep the PIN or password in a safe place. You will need it if you choose to lift the freeze.
If you apply for credit, a home mortgage or a job, you will have to temporarily lift the freeze so that the businesses may confirm your credit record. There is a fee for lifting a freeze as well.
To learn additional steps you can take to protect your personal and financial data, visit Taxes.Security.Together. You also can read Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers.
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.
Additional IRS Resources:
- IRS Commissioner Koskinen's Statement on the Security Summit Group Public Awareness Campaign
- Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft
- Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers
- www.irs.gov/identitytheft -- Identity Protection: Prevention, Detection and Victim Assistance
- IR-2015-129, IRS, States and Tax Industry Announce New Steps to Help Public to Protect Personal Tax Data
- Fact Sheet 2015-23, IRS, States and Industry Partners Provide Update on Collaborative Fight Against Tax-Related Identity Theft
- IRS and Partner Statements on the October 2015 Security Summit Meeting
One more thing: Report Scams -
If you think you may have been scammed: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Visit ftc.gov/idtheft, where you'll find out how to minimize your risk of identity theft.
Report scams to the State Attorney General.
If you get unsolicited email offers or spam, send the messages to spam@uce.gov.
If you get what looks like lottery material from a foreign country through the postal mail, take it to your local postmaster.
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