You recently discovered a theft of your wallet/purse. This letter is designed to help you take action and deal with the problems which may result from the loss or misuse of any of these items or from any identity theft.
IF YOUR KEYS WERE TAKEN:
Change or re-key whichever locks need to be changed for your protection.
IF YOUR CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS WERE TAKEN:
Notify your bank if you have not already done so, then call the three credit reporting bureaus to report the loss and ask them to put a FRAUD ALERT on your account so no new credit cards will be issued without contacting you.
Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289 www.tuc.com
Equifax 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com
IF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WAS TAKEN:
Call the Social Security Administration FRAUD HOTLINE to notify them of the loss and get information on how to get a duplicate card.
Social Security Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271 www.ssa.gov
IF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE WAS TAKEN:
Apply for a new driver’s license as soon as possible and ask them if anyone has applied for a license since yours was stolen. They can refer you to an investigator.
IF YOUR CHECKS OR CARDS HAVE BEEN MAILED TO A DIFFERENT ADDRESS:
Contact the banks and/or businesses that accepted your checks or cards to notify them of the fraud and offer to sign any affidavits of forgery as needed. Encourage the banks and businesses to pursue charges against any suspects identified. The act of passing a forged check is a crime.
IF SOMEONE HAS STOLEN YOUR IDENTITY TO GET NEW CREDIT:
Call the Police Department and make an identity theft report. In Minnesota, identity theft becomes a crime only when any victim (person or business) suffers a monetary loss. For a Police Department to investigate there must be a loss in their jurisdiction. Also, call the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline to notify them and get advice on how to proceed.
FTC Identity Theft Hotline 1-877-438-4338 www.consumer.gov/idtheft
OTHER INTERNET RESOURCES FOR ADVICE & INFORMATION:
Federal Business of Investigations www.fbi.gov
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse www.privacyrights.org
PRC-Identity Theft Resource www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
Internet Fraud Complaint Center www.ifccfbi.gov
Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov
Fraud Defense Network: www.frauddefense.com
SCAMWATCH www.scamwatch.com
OTHER PHONE RESOURCES FOR ADVICE & INFORMATION: Federal Government Information Center (agency phone numbers) 1-800-688-9889
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BEING VICTIMIZED AGAIN:
*Don’t put your driver’s license number on your checks, this makes it easy to get a false ID made.
*Keep all credit card receipts safe, many criminals use numbers off receipts to defraud.
*Never give your credit card information to any one calling you. Remember, Card Investigators will NEVER call and ask you for your number and expiration date.
THE GOOD NEWS:
You are NOT responsible for monetary losses. The banks & credit card companies must refund your money losses (if any), although they may hold your money while they are conducting an investigation in the case. Some can charge you up to $50 per account, but most do not.
