Respond - What to do if you experience fraud
As cautious as you may be in protecting your accounts and personal information, it’s important to know what to do if you suspect or discover fraud:
Tips for Individuals
If you believe you are a victim of fraud, it is important to act quickly. Consider the following steps:
If you’re worried your account has been compromised, please call (800) 246-2415 immediately! The sooner we know what’s happened, the sooner we can begin helping you.
Place a “fraud alert” on your credit reports, and review these reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer-reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert. A call to one of these companies is sufficient:
- Equifax®: (800) 525-6285
- Experian®: (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion®: (800) 680-7289
Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open or debts on your accounts you can’t explain.
Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. In addition:
- Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your approval.
- Follow up in writing with copies of supporting documents. Use the ID Theft Affidavit at This link opens in new tab: identitytheft.gov to support your written statement.
- Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
- Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
File a report with local law enforcement to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
In addition, consider contacting the following to file a report or request information:
- Federal Trade Commission
Phone: (877) 438-4338; TTY -- (866) 653-4261
Mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
- Consumer Response Center
Phone: (877) FTC-HELP/382-4357; TTY (866) 653-4261
ID Theft Hotline: (877) 438-4338
- United States Postal Inspection Service
Report a mail fraud crime at the This link opens in new tab: USPIS website or by calling (877) 876-2455.
For more information about identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at
This link opens in new tab: identitytheft.gov.
Tips for Businesses
Identity theft can happen to your business accounts as well as your personal accounts. It occurs when identifying and key information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes and can cost you time and money, destroy business credit or ruin your business’ reputation.
If you believe you are a victim of fraud, it is important to act quickly. Consider the following steps:
If you’re worried your account has been compromised, please call (800) 246-2415 immediately! The sooner we know what’s happened, the sooner we can begin helping you.
Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. In addition:
- Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your approval.
- Follow up in writing with copies of supporting documents. Use the ID Theft Affidavit at This link opens in new tab: identitytheft.gov to support your written statement.
- Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
- Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
File a report with local law enforcement to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
In addition, consider contacting the following to file a report or request information:
- Federal Trade Commission
Phone: (877) 438-4338; TTY -- (866) 653-4261
Mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
- Consumer Response Center
Phone: (877) FTC-HELP/382-4357; TTY (866) 653-4261
ID Theft Hotline: (877) 438-4338
- United States Postal Inspection Service
Report a mail fraud crime at the This link opens in new tab: USPIS website or by calling (877) 876-2455.
For more information about identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at
This link opens in new tab: identitytheft.gov.
Return to the Security Center homepage for additional resources.