Identity Theft Information Guide
The only true defense against identity theft is prevention. This guide from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) give you details about the prevention methods. These methods include the following steps.
- Notify the police or Sheriff's office
- Contact any driver license office
- Provide information about the identity theft for the Sheriff's "Stolen Identity File"
- Notify creditors and merchants
- Notify your banks
- Contact the Social Security Administration
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Notify the U.S. Passport Agency
You MUST report the theft to one of the three major credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax: To request a credit report: (800) 685-1111. To report fraud: (800) 525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 or the website: www.equifax.com.
- Experian: To request a credit report or report fraud: (888) 397-3742 or write to P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 or website: www.experian.com
- Trans Union: To request a credit report: (800) 888-4213. To report fraud: (800) 680-7289; write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634; www.transunion.com
This DPS guide tells you more about the credit reporting agencies
If you have had a check(s) stolen or bank account opened fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies listed below. Place a stop payment order on any invalid (or unauthorized) checks. Cancel your checking and savings account and obtain new accounts.
Call SCAN (800-262-7771) to find out if the identity theft has been passing bad checks in your name.
This DPS guide gives you more information about major check verification companies.