The NYPD unveiled one of the largest identity-theft scandals
in New York last week with authority arresting 111 suspects
tied to a global crime ring based largely in Queens. Using
stolen credit card data, the theives rang up millions of
dollars worth of luxury merchandise and services all over
the world.
For the unfortunate victims of personal ID theft, here is
some immediate advice:
1) PLACE A FRAUD ALERT - contact one of the three major
credit-reporting agencies - Transunion, Equiifax and
Experian - to place a fraud alert on your file, which
should prevent more false accounts from being opened
in your name. Here are the contact numbers:
Transunion - 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com
Equifax - 1-800-525-6275 www.equifax.com
Experian - 1-800-397-3742 www.experian.com
2) REVIEW YOUR CREDIT REPORTS - When you place a fraud
alert on your credit file, you are able to receive
a free copy of your credit report - one from each
of the three agencies. Check your reports for any
incorrect information.
3) CLOSE BOGUS AND UNUSED ACCOUNTS - Dispute credit
cards or bank accounts that were illegally opened
in your name by notifying both the credit-reporting
agencies that lists the false information and the
fraud department at the related bank or creditor.
Additionally, close all unused credit and bank accounts
and instruct banks to stop sending blank check offers
under your name.
Sheila McKinney
