Page 24 - Means Wealth 2020/2021 Perspectives

IDENTITY THEFT: NOW WHAT?

f you become a victim of identity theft, quick action can help minimize the
I damage. These seven steps can help restore your identity and your peace
of mind:

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
Contact one of the major credit bureaus – Experian®, Equifax®, or
TransUnion® to add a fraud alert to your credit report. The first bureau you
contact will alert the other two bureaus to your request. When you place
a fraud alert, it flags your credit file and asks lenders and other creditors
to contact you before authorizing new accounts in your name.
2. Freeze your credit
Placing a credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, helps to prevent
unauthorized access to your credit file. Available from all three major
credit agencies for free, credit freezes can only be lifted by the Personal
Identification Number (PIN) provided by the bureau when you placed
the freeze. You should consider placing a credit freeze even if you have
not been a victim of identity theft. You can lift the freeze temporarily for
authorized vendors you wish to have access.
3. Review your credit report
Take a look at your credit report to make sure no new accounts have
been opened using your name. You are entitled to receive a free annual
credit report from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you spot
suspicious information or errors, alert the credit bureau and your lenders.
You should do this periodically whether or not you have previously been
a victim of identity theft.

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