Identity Theft - Loan Fraud

If a new credit account has been opened by an imposter:

1. If you believe that your identity has been stolen, contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. To report fraud:

  • Equifax – Call:1-800-525-6285 Write to: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
  • Experian – Call:1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) Write to: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
  • TransUnion – Call: 1-800-680-7289 Write to: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

2. Request a copy of your credit report and review it closely.

3. If your credit report shows that an imposter has opened new accounts in your name, contact those creditors immediately by phone and in writing. We recommend that your letter is sent via certified mail with a return receipt.

4. Complete the ID Theft Affidavit (See attachment 1) and provide a cop to all creditors that the imposter has opened accounts in your name and ask these creditors to furnish to you copies of all documentation, such as fraudulent application and transaction records. The business must provide copies of these records within 30 days at no charge to the victim.

5. When you have resolved the fraudulent account with the creditor, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed account and has discharged the debts. Keep this letter in your files as it may be needed if the account reappears on your future credit report.

6. File a report with the local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Keep a copy of the police report. If you can't get a copy of the police report, request the report number and keep it in your personal files. You may need this report to validate your claims to creditors.

7. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the theft or your identity.

  • www.consumer.gov/idtheft or
  • Call: FTC's Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or
  • Write to: Identity Theft Clearing House, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580