Identity Theft Victims

   Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Last year, upwards of 900,000 individuals became victims of the crime, the effects of which can last for years to come. Identity theft, also known as theft of identity and true name fraud occurs when any person takes your personal identifying information (i.e. social security number, date of birth, credit card number, etc.) and wrongfully uses it to obtain something of benefit (i.e. goods, services or money).

    Many times the thief is the last person you would suspect; a relative, "friend", or associate. Essentially anyone who has access to your personal identifying information is a possible candidate. This includes the person receiving or reviewing your employment or credit applications; anyone who has access to your bank statements or other confidential mail; and individuals to whom you give your credit card for payment.
    Generally, the identity thief uses a different address on the account so that you know nothing about the problem until after thousands of dollars in fraudulent expenses and charges have been incurred in your name. Most often, your first indication of a problem is a notice from your credit card issuer that your credit limit is being decreased or your interest rate on that credit card is being increased or the card issuer is canceling the card due to derogatory information on your credit report. You may also get a call from a repossession company looking to repossess a car they allege you own but you know you never purchased. Collection calls and written collection communications are often another sign of the problem.

    Obviously, the best way to protect yourself is to take every step you can to prevent disclosure of your personal identifying information. You should also obtain a copy of your credit report every year from the three major credit reporting agencies. You can contact them with the following information:

1 888 EXPERIAN (formerly TRW) www.experian.com

Trans Union LLC www.transunion.com
Consumer Disclosure Center
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022

Equifax Information Services, LLC www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374

When you receive a copy of your report, there is generally a page explaining how to read and understand the credit report. You should review the report carefully for any errors or other false information. If you find incorrect addresses, names, accounts that you have not opened, judgments or even inquiries that you are not familiar with, it is time for you to take action immediately to protect yourself. Federal and State laws severely restrict the timeframes within which you may take legal action to protect yourself. If you believe that you are the victim of identity theft or other false and erroneous credit reporting, please contact us immediately.