Prevent Identity Theft, Credit Reports, No-Call Lists, etc.

A note about what you find on this page: I "stole" this page from my cousin's web site. As it has much useful info - I pass it along FYI. Read this for what it is worth and carry on with your research - don't stop with what you find here.

General Tips for Preventing Identity Theft:

Secure your wallet or purse at all times.
Take care when giving out personal information over the internet and telephone.
Shred or rip all mail that includes personal identification so that it cannot be retrieved.
Personal information should not be "loaned" to friends or relatives.
Order a credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.
Remove your name from telephone or mailing lists.
Take action if you are a victim; report the crime to your local police.
Report identity theft to major credit bureaus, banks, credit companies, and the FTC.
Cancel accounts that have been opened or tampered with since the identity theft.
Utilize password protection on new accounts you open.

Important note about free credit reports:

To get the free credit reports that you are entitled to under federal law you must go to AnnualCreditReport.com. This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report.

Major Credit Bureaus:
Equifax
Fraud line: 1 (800) 525-6285; Credit report line: 1 (800) 685-1111
Experian
Fraud line: 1 (888) 397-3742; Credit report line: 1 (888) 397-3742
Trans Union
Fraud line: 1 (800) 680-7289; Credit report line: 1 (800) 916-8800

Useful Contacts:

• Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline (SSAFH): 1 (800) 269-0271
• Federal Trade Commission Hotline 1 (877) 438-4338
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center
• Direct Marketing Association to remove your name from mailing or telephone lists:
  Mail: PO Box 9008 Farmingdale, NY 11735
• See the NYSConsumer.gov website - Identity theft page for some additional information on identity theft.

National Do Not Call Registry:

• National Do Not Call Registry [Registration is effective for five years]

OptOutPrescreen.com:

• OptOutPrescreen.com Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.
• Through this website, you may request to:
  Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers for Five Years - (electronically through this website).
  Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers permanently - (mail Permanent Opt-Out Election form available through this website).
  Opt-In and be eligible to receive Firm Offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed an Opt-Out request - (electronically through this website).
  
  If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies. If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In. In doing so, you will soon be among the many consumers who can significantly benefit from having ready access to product information on credit and insurance products that may not be available to the general public.

Annual Credit Reports:

• AnnualCreditReport.com This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Fight identity theft by monitoring and reviewing your credit report. You may request your free credit report online, by phone or through the mail. Free credit reports requested online are viewable immediately upon authentication of identity. Free credit reports requested by phone or mail will be processed within 15 days of receiving your request.

Disputing Credit Report Errors:

• The Federal Trade Commission has a page with suggestions on How to Dispute Credit Report Errors.