Stolen Identity: How to deal with fraud

 

Here’s how to spot the signs of identity theft and what to do if you suspect someone is using your information.

Do you Suspect that someone has stole your identity or is using your Social Security Number?

Here are some signs that you are a victim of identity theft:

  • You receive a letter from the IRS about a suspicious tax return that you did not file

  • Your tax return is rejected due to a duplicate Social Security Number error

  • You get a tax transcript in the mail that you did not request

  • You get a notice from the IRS about an online account created in your name

  • You receive an IRS notice that an existing online account has been disabled 

  • IRS sends you a notice for additional tax or refund offset, or that you have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return

  • IRS records indicate you’ve received wages/income from an employer that you never worked for

You need to TAKE ACTION NOW! 

The IRS recommends these steps:

  • Respond immediately to any IRS Notice (call the number provided)

  • Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039.pdf

  • Call any companies where you know fraud occurred – 

    • Call the fraud department – ask to freeze the accounts and initiate a verification process for any new charges/applications for credit

    • Change your logins, passwords and PINS

Place a **Fraud Alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. The one you contact will alert the other credit bureaus (You will receive a letter from each bureau confirming that they placed a fraud alert on your file).

    • Experian.com/help or call (888) 397-3742

    • TransUnion.com/credit-help or call (888)909-8872

    • Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services or call (800)685-1111

  • Get a free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

  • Contact your local police office to file a report of Identity Theft

**A fraud alert is free. When you have an alert on your credit report, business’s must verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name. You can place a free one-year alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. You can renew after one year.

Still have questions? Get in touch with us today by visiting our contact page!

 

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