Identity Theft

When your private financial information gets into the wrong hands, the consequences can be devastating. Yet there are many ways you can help protect yourself on a daily basis, from taking precautions while online to checking your credit report periodically.

If you should fall victim to identity theft, it is important that you act quickly. Contacting the police, your financial institutions and credit reference agencies, and filing the necessary reports will go a long way toward minimizing any damage to your financial well-being.

Who to Contact

• Credit Reference Agencies: Immediately obtain your credit report from your credit reference agency to check for signs of suspicious activities. Alert them that you are a victim of identity theft and request that a fraud alert be placed in your file.
• Financial Institutions: Report identity theft to each of your financial services providers.
• Police: Report identity theft to your local police department. If the crime occurred somewhere other than where you live, you may wish to report it to law enforcement there as well.