Specific Problems Related to Identity Theft

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Identity thieves know no bounds when it comes to committing their crime. They have been known to hijack driver’s licenses and passports, steal mail, tamper with investment accounts, secure utility services, get student loans, and file for bankruptcy in other peoples names.

Setting things right will take patience, organization skills, and persistence.

Government-Issued Identification

If your government-issued identification — for example your driver’s license, passport, or Medicare card — has been lost, stolen, or used fraudulently, contact the agency that issued the identification.

How to Report a Lost, Stolen or Missing Driver’s License

  1. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state.
    1. Cancel the lost or stolen item and get a replacement.
    2. Ask the agency to put a note in your file so no one else can get a license or ID in your name.
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

How to Report a Lost, Stolen or Missing Passport

  1. Contact the U.S. Department of State.
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

Mail Theft

Sometimes an identity thief steals mail to get your personal and financial information, open new accounts, or commit tax fraud. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which investigates cases of identity theft, wants you to contact them and report the theft.

How to Report Mail Theft

  1. Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service office near your home.
    OR
    Go to your local post office to find the address.
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

Investment Accounts

If an identity thief has tampered with your investments or brokerage accounts, contact your broker, account manager, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

How to Deal with Affected Investment Accounts

  1. Call your broker or account manager.
    1. Describe the situation.
  2. File a complaint with the SEC online.
    or write to:
    SEC Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
    100 F Street, NE
    Washington, DC 20549
  3. Call the SEC for general information.
    1-800-732-0330
  4. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

Utilities

An identity thief may use your personal and financial information to get telephone, cable, electric, water, or other services. Report fraudulent accounts to the service provider as soon as you discover them.

How to Report Fraudulent Utility Charges and Accounts

  1. Contact the utility or service provider.
    1. Close the account that the identity thief opened.
  2. Contact your state Public Utility Commission for additional help.
  3. Contact the Federal Communications Commission for help with cell phone or telephone services.
    1-888-225-5322
    1-888-835-5322 (TTY)
    Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
    445 12th Street, SW
    Washington, DC 20554
  4. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

Student Loans

An identity thief may use your personal or financial information to get a student loan. Contact the school or program that opened the loan and ask them to close the loan.

How to Report Fraudulent Student Loans

  1. Contact the U.S. Department of Education.
    1-800-647-8733
    U.S. Department of Education
    Office of the Inspector General
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20202
  2. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

Bankruptcy Filed in Your Name

If you believe someone filed for bankruptcy in your name, contact the U.S. Trustee in the region where the bankruptcy was filed. The U.S. Trustee Program refers cases of suspected bankruptcy fraud to the United States Attorneys for possible investigation and prosecution. The U.S. Trustee can’t provide you with legal help, so you may need to hire an attorney.

How to Report Bankruptcy Filed in Your Name

  1. Write to the U.S. Trustee in the region where the bankruptcy was filed.
    1. Describe the situation and provide proof of your identity.
  2. Consider hiring an attorney.
    An attorney can explain to the court that the bankruptcy filing was fraudulent.
  3. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

 

Tagged with: bankruptcy, identity theft, student
July 2012

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