• 2002 Boston Road
  • Wilbraham, MA 01095
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  • 730 Worcester Street
  • Springfield, MA 01151
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  • Connecting all Offices
  • 413-693-0273
  • 800-455-6328
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Other Services: ID Theft Victim's Kit

Sometimes even the most cautious person finds him/herself the victim of identity theft. If this happens to you, immediately contact one of the three major credit bureaus to report the theft and request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file. A "fraud alert" will notify credit companies that they should verify any new credit applications with you prior to their approval. The three major credit reporting companies' numbers follow, and the first one that you contact will notify the other two:

Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experian: 888-397-3742
Trans Union: 800-680-7289

For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, you should contact the security department of the appropriate creditor or financial institution, report the activity and close the account. You should then file a report with the police and retain the report number for future proof of the crime.

You should also contact the Identity Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338) to report the theft. Counselors there will record your complaint and advise you how to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from identity theft.

Finally, you should complete an ID Theft Affidavit. This form is used to report information to multiple companies, thereby simplifying the process of alerting companies where fraudulent accounts were opened. Developed by the Federal Trade Commission in conjunction with banks, credit grantors and consumer advocates, the ID Theft Affidavit is accepted by participating credit issuers, retailers, banks, and other financial institutions, thus simplifying the notification process.

You can find step-by-step instructions for dealing with identity theft here. Check for additional resources on the US Government's ID Theft website and the ID Theft Resource Center.

If you suspect that only your credit or debit card information has been compromised, please click here.

 


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