Full Text
In an effort to better assist the citizens of Puyallup who have been victimized by identity theft, the Puyallup Police Department provides these simple steps to help in the prevention of and recovery from identity theft. In 2006 the state of Washington was ranked #9 in the nation for identity theft (according to Identity Theft 911) and it is the fastest growing crime. Being a victim of identity theft can be very confusing, frustrating, and time consuming. This section has been designed to provide you with the resources to start the process of getting your identity back. By utilizing the steps listed below, you will be headed in the right direction. If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, please get and keep all papers, receipts, cancelled checks, financial information, collection notices, etc. related to this crime. These documents will be needed to file a police report. STEP 1: Contact your local police department to file a report (Puyallup Police Department [PHONE REDACTED]). The designated case number issued by Police will be needed by the other agencies to further assist you. Any and all documentation you have collected will be needed for the police report. STEP 2: Report ID Theft with your banking establishment and creditors (credit cards, department store charge cards, etc.) You may need to cancel accounts and get new accounts issued. STEP 3: You will need to call one of the following 3 major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert. Placing a fraud alert will not allow the suspect to open up any new credit accounts. Once the fraud alert is in place, the credit bureau you reported with will notify the other two credit bureaus. STEP 4: Contact the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report identity theft: STEP 5: Contact Washington Department of Licensing (DOL): Equifax: http://www.learn.equifax.com/ 1-[PHONE REDACTED] Experian http://www.experian.com/ 1-[PHONE REDACTED] Trans Union http://www.transunion.com/ 1-[PHONE REDACTED] DOL: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/ 1-[PHONE REDACTED] FTC: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft 1-877-IDTHEFT ---PAGE BREAK--- STEP 6: Contact Washington State Attorney General’s office to file a credit report security freeze (credit cannot be shared nor can you open new credit) and a fraud alert (a comment on your credit history): Tips in Preventing Identity Theft: 1) Protect your social security number by only giving it out when required by law: Privacy Act 1974: 5 USC 552a http://www.usdoj.gov/opcl/privstat.htm 2) Mailbox Security is one of the easiest ways to prevent identity theft. Avoid mail and identity theft by obtaining a secured mailbox (Example: P.O. Box or locked mailbox). 3) Shred your mail to include financial statements, credit card applications, social security documentation, etc. 4) No banking establishment or other legitimate business should send you an email requesting personal information from you (social security number, driver’s license number, credit card account information, financial information, etc.). The email will look authentic; however it will take you to a different website where your information will be stolen. 5) Only give your personal information out over the phone if you initiated the call and know who you are speaking with. The Puyallup Police Department is working hard at taking a proactive stance in fighting this rapidly growing crime. If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact the Puyallup Police Department. 311 West Pioneer Puyallup, WA 98371 [PHONE REDACTED] (Main) [PHONE REDACTED] (Fax) WA State Attorney General: http://atg.wa.gov/freeze.aspx 1-[PHONE REDACTED]