What do I do if my identity is stolen?
If you believe someone is using your identity without your permission, it’s important to act quickly. Follow these steps to protect yourself and limit potential damage:
1. Contact Veridian right away
Let us know as soon as possible so we can review your accounts, place protections, and help prevent additional unauthorized activity. We may recommend closing accounts, issuing new cards, or adding alerts.
2. Review your accounts and credit reports
• Check your account activity and report any unauthorized transactions immediately
• Review your credit report for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries
• Dispute anything you don’t recognize directly with the credit bureau
3. Freeze your credit or place a fraud alert
Placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit helps restrict access to your credit report and can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
You’ll need to submit a request to each credit bureau (Eqiufax, Experian and TransUnion). Get more details about requesting or lifting a credit freeze from USAGov (link to www.usa.gov/credit-freeze).
And remember to continue monitoring your credit activity in Credit Central (link to www.veridiancu.org/news/articles/credit-central). You may access this by logging into your Veridian online banking account.
4. Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). File an ID Theft Affidavit online (link to consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft ) or call: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
5. File a police report
This can help when working with creditors or disputing fraudulent accounts. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.
6. Continue to monitor and follow up
Keep records of all reports and communications. Monitor your accounts and credit regularly and follow up on any disputes until resolved.
1. Contact Veridian right away
Let us know as soon as possible so we can review your accounts, place protections, and help prevent additional unauthorized activity. We may recommend closing accounts, issuing new cards, or adding alerts.
2. Review your accounts and credit reports
• Check your account activity and report any unauthorized transactions immediately
• Review your credit report for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries
• Dispute anything you don’t recognize directly with the credit bureau
3. Freeze your credit or place a fraud alert
Placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit helps restrict access to your credit report and can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
You’ll need to submit a request to each credit bureau (Eqiufax, Experian and TransUnion). Get more details about requesting or lifting a credit freeze from USAGov (link to www.usa.gov/credit-freeze).
And remember to continue monitoring your credit activity in Credit Central (link to www.veridiancu.org/news/articles/credit-central). You may access this by logging into your Veridian online banking account.
4. Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). File an ID Theft Affidavit online (link to consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft ) or call: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
5. File a police report
This can help when working with creditors or disputing fraudulent accounts. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.
6. Continue to monitor and follow up
Keep records of all reports and communications. Monitor your accounts and credit regularly and follow up on any disputes until resolved.
Related Articles
Related Links