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Identity TheftSix ways to clear your nameIt can take months to repair the work of an identity thief. Here's where to start: File a report with your local police department. "That gives you victim status," says Tracey Thomas of the Identity Theft Resource Center. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357. Get reports from the major credit bureaus, Equifax (888-766-0008), Experian (888-397-3742) and TransUnion (800-680-7289), and request a fraud alert on your credit file. If you find accounts that don't belong to you contact the creditor directly. Also contact all creditors who have made non-promotional inquiries into your credit file. Send all letters certified mail, return receipt requested. Contact the fraud departments at the banks, credit-card companies and investment firms that you have accounts with. Ask them to require a PIN or password for all transactions or changes to your accounts. Do not use your mothers maiden name or the last four numbers of your social security number as your passwords. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each credit bureau once a year. Get additional help on how to clear your name from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse at www.privacyrights.org and Identity Theft Resource Center at www.idtheftcenter.org. If necessary, find referrals to lawyers who specialize in fair Credit Reporting Act issues thru the National Association of Consumer Advocates at www.naca.net/resource.htm.
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