IN CASE OF THEFT
- Keep a detailed record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.
This information may be needed later down the road.
- Call the Police
Report the crime to the police or sheriff’s department that has jurisdiction in your case and request a police report. Though the authorities are often unable to assist you, a police report may be necessary to help convince creditors that someone else has or may potentially open an account in your name.
- If you suspect Identity Theft, contact the three Credit Reporting Agencies.
Have one of the agencies put a fraud alert on your file, which will aid in preventing new credit accounts from being opened without your express permission.
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Equifax:1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you’re entitled to order one free copy of your credit report from each of the three consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports. Once you get your credit reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.
- Close Your Accounts That Have Been Tampered With
Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It’s important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.
Read More About Identity Theft and Credit Fraud
If you want to know more about identity theft and credit fraud, the following nonprofit Web sites are excellent sources of information and additional contact information.
US Government’s Web site for identity theft
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
FTC consumer complaint form
https://www.ftc.gov/complaint/
US Department of Justice
https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud
Social Security Administration/Office of the Inspector General Fraud Website
https://www.ssa.gov/fraud/
To report the loss or theft of your VCCU VISA Credit Card, call 1-800-325-3678 anytime day or night.
To report the loss or theft of your Shazam MasterCard Debit Card 1-866-508-2693 24 hours a day.
Lost VISA Card: 1-800-325-3678
Lost Shazam MasterCard:
1-866-508-2693
Shazam Dispute Number:
1-833-288-1126