Identity theft & fraud recovery

What to do if you're the victim of identity theft or fraud

Step 1: Place a fraud alert on your credit report

Contact one of the three credit bureaus. The bureau you contact must tell the other two bureaus.

Ask for a fraud alert. This makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.

Step 2: Contact your bank and credit card companies

Tell them that you may be a victim of identity theft.

Ask them to:

• freeze or lock your accounts if needed,
• watch for suspicious charges,
• issue new account numbers or cards, and
• stop any unauthorized transactions.

Step 3: Report the fraud

You can report identity theft to:

• your bank or credit card company,
• the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov, and
• the Louisville Police Department if the crime occurred in Louisville.

Keep copies of all reports and confirmation numbers.

Step 4: Keep records

Write down:

• the date you discovered the fraud,
• who you contacted,
• phone numbers,
• case numbers,
• confirmation numbers, and
• copies of letters or emails.

These records can help if you need to prove that the fraud was reported.

Preventing identity theft and fraud

How criminals may get your information

Identity thieves often get personal information by:

• stealing mail,
• looking through trash,
• sending fake emails or text messages,
• creating fake websites,
• using stolen credit card information, or
• tricking people into sharing passwords or account numbers.

Signs that your identity may have been stolen

You may be a victim if:

• you see charges you do not recognize,
• bills arrive for accounts you did not open,
• you stop receiving expected mail,
• collection agencies contact you about debts that are not yours,
• your credit report shows accounts you do not recognize, or
• you receive notices about apartments, loans, or purchases you never made.

Protect your information

• Create strong passwords. Use passwords that are long, hard to guess, and different for each account. Do not use birthdays, names, or simple words.
• Keep documents safe. Store these items in a secure place:
  • Social Security card
  • passport
  • birth certificate
  • checks
  • bank statements
  • tax records
• Be careful online. Do not click links in unexpected emails or text messages. Make sure websites start with https://. Do not share personal information unless you know who is asking for it.
• Watch your accounts. Check your bank and credit card accounts regularly for unusual activity.