By Staff
from staff reports
1. If someone has stolen information about your financial accounts, it's best to wait for several weeks to see what the do with it before taking any action.
2. If the stolen information includes your Social Security Number, you can place an &#8220initial fraud alert” by calling one of the three nationwide consumer reorting companies.
3. If someone has stolen your identity, and then you notice you're no longer receiving bills from creditors, this is a sign that your identity has been restored.
4. The best way to get a free copy of your credit report is to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request.
5. Identity theft refers only to the theft of drivers' licenses or name badges.
Answers:
1. False. Your best first step is to contact your credit card companies and close your accounts. Also, talk with your bank about whether to close other accounts or take other steps.
2. True. Placing such an alert can help stop someone from opening new credit accounts in your name.
3. False. If bills stop coming, it may be a sign that someone is still &#8220hijacking” your identity and changing the address your bills are being sent to.
4. True. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to ask for and receive one free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months.
5. False. While those are types of identity theft, the term refers to a broad variety of criminal misuses of your name, Social Security Number and financial information.