Identity Theft: A Resource Guide for Victims

The crime of identity theft is one of the quickest growing crimes in history. The government statistics are staggering. The largest credit bureaus report millions in losses every year and the crime has risen 1400% since 1997. 

In 1998, Penal code section 530.5 was enacted, making it illegal for a person to obtain your personal information and attempt to use it to obtain goods, services, credit or medical information.

The following is a guide for victims and potential victims. This guide has been provided to you courtesy of the Berkeley Police Department Fraud/ Forgery Division.

Tips for prevention:

• Don't carry your social security card with you.
• Be careful with receipts, take them with you. Don't throw them in public receptacles.
• Use the post office instead of leaving mail in your mailbox.
• Get a locking mailbox.
• Shred anything with your name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number or any credit solicitations.
• Carefully review all statements, including bank, telephone, cable, cellular phone etc.
• Request your credit report quarterly.
• If you don't receive your mail for more than a couple days, check with the post office to see if there has been a change of address.
• If statements are late, call creditors to see if a change of address has been filed.
• Do not have your driver's license number or social security number printed on your checks.
• Do not release personal information over the phone or Internet.
• Order your social security benefits and earnings statement yearly.
• Remove you name from Direct Marketing Association mailing and telephone lists.
• Consider not listing your phone number.
• Consider not using a professional qualification (Dr., Ph.D., and Atty. Etc.) in the phone book.
• Do not carry PIN or passwords with you.
• Never have new checks mailed to you; pick them up from the bank.

• Keep a log of all contacts. Get names, dates and times.
• Call the fraud units of the three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. 
  Request an alert be placed on your record and ascertain the expiration of the alert. Also request a victims statement be placed on your account.
• Contact all creditors, by phone and in writing, where fraudulent use has occurred.
• Carefully review incoming statements for fraudulent use.
• Report the crime to the local police having jurisdiction over the crime and provide as much documentation as possible.
• Check with your bank in the event your checks were stolen. Look for fraudulent use or fraudulent accounts that you did not open.
• Notify your utilities companies and ascertain if any new accounts have been opened in your name.
• In the event your drivers license or identification were stolen, go to DMV and request a new number. (restrictions apply)
• If your social security number (SSN) is being used, call the Social Security Administration and inquire into getting a new SSN issued. (restrictions apply)
• If you suspect your mail is being stolen, call the post office and inquire if a change of address has been filed.
• Be prepared to back up everything in writing and by notarizing documents.

Social Security Administration

• To order statement: (800) 772-1213 or Social Security Administration Data Operations P.O. box 7004 Wilkes Barre, PA 18767
• To report fraudulent use: (800) 269-0271

Fraudulent use of checks

• Checkrite (800) 766-2748
• Crosscheck (800) 843-0760
• Chexsystem (800) 428-9623
• Equifax (800) 437-5120
• Intl' Check Svcs. (800) 526-5380
• Scan (800) 262-7771
• Telecheck (800) 710-9898

Informational Web Sites

• Dept. of Consumer Affairs
• Privacy Rights Clearing House
• California Public Interest Research Group (CalPIRG)
  

Use your computer browser and type in "identity theft" or "identity fraud" these topics should provide you with any further information you may require.