Help... This Isn't My Account!

By Jeanine Bader
February 27, 2008

Identity theft can happen to anyone, even if you are careful with your information. If you think it has happened to you, don't panic. There are things you can do and steps you can take to restore your good name.

Because each case is so different, it is best if you contact the Fraud/Security Department of Deseret First. We can help you to take the appropriate action for your case. You can contact the Fraud/Security Department by phone at 801-456-7132 or toll free at 800-326-3328 ext. 7132 or by email at dept.fraudsecurity@dfcu.com.

Any time you notice an account has been opened under your name, that you did not open yourself; it is important that you act immediately with the following steps:

1. Contact the three main credit bureaus

Contact the three main credit bureaus as soon as possible and inform them that you are a victim of identity theft. Request a copy of your current credit report from them and ask that an extended fraud alert be placed on your credit report. The credit report will be free and the alert will help prevent further accounts from being opened under your name by requiring additional identification steps to be taken any time credit is requested under your name.

The names and contact information for the three main credit bureaus are:
Equifax: phone 800-525-6285 or email at www.equifax.com
Experian: phone 888-397-3742 or email at www.experian.com
TransUnion: phone 800-680-7289 or email at www.transunion.com

2. Open a case with your local police department

It is important to report the theft to the police for reporting purposes. Even if the thief is never caught, the proof of the crime will be needed by creditors and credit reporting agencies to show proof of the crime.

3. Contact the creditors of the accounts that have been opened fraudulently or existing accounts that have been tampered with

You will want to contact the companies/creditors of the accounts showing on your credit report that do not belong to you and let them know that you did not open those accounts. It is important to notify them in writing as well.

If you have any existing accounts that have been tampered with you must let those creditors and financial institutions know as well. It may be fraud instead of identity theft, but the fraud departments of those companies will be able to determine what should be done. You will want to close any existing accounts that have been tampered with immediately and open new ones.

Try to protect your new accounts with passwords or pin numbers and use secure ones that will not easily be guessed.

It will take time and effort to restore your name and credit, but it is certainly not impossible. Deseret First is there for you as a resource.