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Consumer Protection: What to Do if Your Information is Stolen

GlobalShopper | Feb 11, 2009 |

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Companies such as global payment services, financial institutions, and even government establishments that keep personal information about you have an obligation to safeguard it. Yet, there are times and occurrences when the information they have may be mistakenly disclosed or even intentionally stolen. Personal information that is breached is often used to commit fraud or identity theft. If your information (e.g. credit card information, social security number, etc.) is compromised, there are steps you can take to diminish the risk for identity theft.

What To Do If

Debit or Credit Card Information is Stolen

Social Security Number is Stolen - An initial fraud alert should be placed with one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You only need to contact one; the fraud alert will stay on your credit report for three months (90) days and you'll be able to get on free credit report from each company. Keep in mind that suspicious activity may not show up on your report right away, so you may want to wait before ordering the reports. Once you do, review them carefully for any suspicious charges, activity, or inquiries with companies you did not contact.
Government-Issued Identification (e.g. driver's license, passport, etc.) - Immediately contact the government institutions that issued the ID documents and follow their policies to cancel the stolen ID and get a new one. The agency will also be able to place an alert on your file to keep anyone else from applying for an ID document under your name.

If you've taken all these precautions and your information is still misused, contact your local police department to file a report of identity theft and contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint. Visit www.consumer.gove/idtheft for more information.