Identity Theft

Every person who willfully obtains personal identifying information of another person without the authorization of that person, and uses that information for any unlawful purpose, including to obtain, or attempt to obtain, credit, goods, services, or medical information in the name of the other person without the consent of that person is guilty of a public offence.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone's identifying information, such as: name, address, date of birth, social security number and/or mother's maiden name, in order to impersonate them. This information enables the identity thief to commit numerous forms of fraud which include, but are not limited to: opening new bank accounts, taking over the victim's financial accounts, purchasing automobiles, applying for loans, credit cards and social security benefits, renting apartments, and establishing services with utility and phone companies.

What to do if you become a victim:

   • Set up a folder to keep a detailed history of this crime.
   • Keep a log of all your contacts and make copies of all documents.
   • Contact all creditors by phone and in writing to inform them of the problem
   • Notify the US Postal Inspector if your mail has been stolen or tampered with: 
        ο US Postal Service Inspection Service 
        ο See phone listing under Federal Government
    • Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the problem:
        The FTC is the federal clearinghouse for victims of identity theft. They help victims by providing 
        information to help resolve financial and other problems that could result from identity theft. 
        ο Their hotline is: 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
   • Call each of the three credit bureaus' fraud units to report identity theft.
   • Ask to have a Fraud Alert/Victim Impact statement placed on your credit file asking that creditors call yo
         before opening any new accounts.
   • Request that a copy of your credit report be sent to you.

Credit Bureaus

Equifax
PO Box 74021
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

      To order report call 1-800-685-1111 
      To report fraud call 1-800-525-6285

Experian
PO Box 949
Allen, TX 75013-0949

      To order report call 1-888-397-3742 
      To report fraud call 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union
PO Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064-0390

      To order report call 1-800-916-8800 
      To report fraud call 1-800-680-7289