Euclid Police

Department

Identity Theft Information    

    Everyone should safeguard all their account numbers so they won't be a victim of identity theft.  Identity theft happens when someone pretends to be you by using your personal information when applying for loans, credit cards, or leases.  In some cases people may impersonate you when receiving traffic violations or other legal contact

   The thief takes advantage of your good history or credit record, leaving behind bad credit or misdeeds in your name.  Losses to consumer and institutions due to identity theft totaled $845 million in 1997, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

How the thief gets your personal information...

• Stealing your purse or wallet.
• Pilfering information such as bank statements and pre-approved credit card applications from your mailbox.
• Posing as your employer, loan officer or landlord to get your credit reports.
• Going through trash for credit card carbons or loan applications.
• Watching transactions at automated teller machines to capture you PIN.

How to minimize the risk...

• Never carry your social security number (SSN) in your wallet or diary or printed on checks.
• Guard your SSN closely, giving it out only to official authorities or businesses you trust.  Some firms will accept another identifier if you ask.
• Be careful how you dispose of document.  Ideally, shred them.
• Exercise your right to stop your credit header being sold, which will also stop pre-approved offers of credit.  Call the credit bureaus' special toll free line (888) 567-8688.
• Don't post personal information on the internet - for example, on genealogical or college reunion sites.
• Check your credit report at least once a year.

If you become a victim of identity theft...

• Report identity theft and get help on how to restore your credit by contacting Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20580, or call (877) 382-4357. Online = www.consumer.gov/idtheft
• To report ID theft, get your credit record and notify the following agencies

  • Trans Union, Fraud Assistance Department,  PO Box 6790,  Fullerton, California 92384,  (800) 680-7289
  • Equifax,  PO Box 740241,  Atlanta, GA  30374-0241,  (800) 525-6285
  • Experian,  PO Box 1017,  Allen, Texas  75013,  (800) 301-7195

• Report ID theft to Euclid Police Department or to obtain information on the proper agency to contact reference the theft.  
• Call dispatch at (216) 731-1234.

For consumer-oriented information: Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 1717 Kettner Avenue, Suite 105, San Diego California 92101.