Identity Theft

Identity Theft is the fastest growing white collar crime, and  anyone can become a victim.   When someone steals your identity, he takes your personal information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft.  The ID thief pretends to be you, so the trail for unpaid debts leads back to you. 

What comprises your financial identity?

• Your name
• Your address
• Your Social Security number
• Your Mother's maiden name
• Your ATM personal identification number
• Your date of birth
• Your bank account number

To protect yourself from having your identity stolen, do not give our personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and know whom you are talking to. Shred or destroy credit card receipts, credit applications, bank checks and financial statements. Limit the number of ID cards you carry in your wallet. Stop the majority of questionable telephone solicitations by signing up for the Do Not Call Registry.

In addition, regularly review your credit card and other financial statements, and review a copy of your credit report annually.  Each person is now entitled to one free credit report from each credit bureau per year.  You can also purchase a credit report from CCCS Forsyth anytime during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Dispute information you believe to be false on your credit report and if you suspect unauthorized activity, have a security freeze put on your credit report.

A security freeze is free if you are a victim of ID theft.  Otherwise there is a $10 fee to each of the three credit reporting agencies.  To place a freeze on your credit report you must send a CERTIFIED LETTER to each agency along with payment plus the following information:

• Full name with middle initial and suffix (such as Jr.)
• Home addresses for last five years
• Social Security Number and date of birth
• Two proofs of residence (like copy of driver's license, utility bill, insurance statement, bank statement)
• Police or DMV report if you are a victim of ID theft
• $10 payment (check , money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard etc) * (must include account number and expiration date) *Trans Union will only accept a Credit Card

Each agency will send you a PIN number and instructions so you can release the freeze as necessary.  You may be asked to do that from time to time if you are on a Debt Management Plan (creditors on a plan and CCCS may need your report). 

Mail to
Equifax Security Freeze, PO Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348

Experian Security Freeze, PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

Trans Union Security Freeze, PO Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790