Identity Theft- The Nation's Fastest Growing White-Collar Crime

When your identity is stolen, it can take a great deal of time and money to resolve.  You can take steps to minimize your risk of experiencing identity theft.  Here is some basic information you should know.  

What is identity theft?

Vermont law defines identity theft as the unauthorized use of another person's personal identifying information to obtain credit, goods, services, money or property (for more information on Vermont laws regarding privacy and data security, click here).  In many cases, identity theft involves the fraudulent use of your credit card or bank account information.  In some cases, your social security number and other personal information may be used to fraudulently obtain driver's licenses, lines of credit, loans or other consumer accounts.

I think I am a victim of identity theft. What steps should I take?

• Review your credit reports carefully for any accounts that you are not familiar with.  If you find anything that should not be there, contact the credit reporting agency to dispute the item.
• Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit reports.  You can find out more information from the Federal Trade Commission about fraud alerts and freezing your credit files.  To place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit files, contact the the three credit reporting agencies listed in the box above and to the right.
• Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
• File a police report and ask for a copy for your records. Find your local police agency.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General's Office.
• Write down the name of anyone you talk to, what s/he told you, and the date of the conversation.
• Follow-up in writing with all contacts you've made about the ID theft on the phone or in person. Use certified mail, return receipt requested, for all correspondence regarding the theft.
• Keep copies of all correspondence or forms relating to the ID theft.
• Keep the originals of supporting documentation, like police reports and letters to and from creditors; send copies only.
• Keep old files even if you believe the problem is resolved.

I still have questions, where can I find out more?

Find out more about identity theft on our Identity Theft FAQ's page.

Last modified May 23 2011 09:32 AM