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Protecting Against Identity Theft

The best way to prevent problems with your identity is to take precautions.

  1. Freeze your credit reports. A freeze on your credit files makes it difficult for a criminal to obtain credit using your good name. Upon a written and documented request, the major national credit bureaus can each provide you with a personal identification number or password  to help your manage access to your credit.
  2. Follow the tips for Identity Theft Protection, as provided by the California Office of Information Security and Privacy Protection (OISPP).
  3. Enroll in a credit monitoring service. Along with a credit freeze, this provides a strong set of checks-and-balances.
  4. If you have evidence that your SSN has been misused, you may be able to apply for a new Social Security number through the Social Security Administration.

 For more information, click on the links above and visit these sites:

When You Know Your Information Has Been Stolen

If you are already a victim of identity theft, here are some steps for defending yourself:

  1. Obtain and review your credit reports for unusual or suspicious activity.
  2. Place a fraud alert on your credit records to inform your creditors.
  3. Close credit card accounts that you believe are being used fraudulently.
  4. Contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a report with law enforcement officials.

For more details, please visit DEFEND: Recover From Identity Theft.

 

 


 

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