Protect Yourself |ID Theft Resources | Credit Bureaus | Fraud Victims
Identity Theft Protection
Think you don’t need identity theft protection? Think again.
Identity theft is consistently the number one complaint to the Federal Trade Commission. Rampant data breaches, affecting millions of records, are putting consumers at great risk of identity theft. It can happen to anyone—regardless of your age and income, where you live, or how careful you are.
Restoring your identity on your own can be time-consuming and stressful. After a while, some people give up, leaving them to contend with the aftermath of identity theft for years to come, including fraudulent bills, collections activity, damaged credit and even criminal records.
Radiant Credit Union is delighted to provide identity theft recovery services to all members at no cost.
If you suspect identity theft, or if your personal information becomes compromised, we will assign you to a professional Recovery Advocate who will complete the recovery work on your behalf, report progress along the way, and be there for you until your good name is restored – no matter how long it takes! This service extends to cover all named account holders. Click here for complete Terms and Conditions.
Protecting Your Identity, Your Privacy, and Your Money
The rate of identity theft-related fraud continues to rise every year. Identity theft can occur when an individual obtains personal information, such as your social security number, date of birth, address, and financial account numbers. Once this information is obtained, the thieves will assume or take on your identity, allowing them to illegally purchase items or obtain credit.
Protect yourself. Don't become identity theft's next victim
There are simple precautions that will keep your identity safe. We've provided the following information as a courtesy to help protect you from identity fraud and other criminal activities. Review the information on these pages to learn how to protect your personal and financial information.
ID Theft Information
Learn more about protecting yourself from identity theft.
IDENTITYTHEFT.GOV
Identify Theft Resources
- http://www.identity-theft-help.us
- http://www.identitytheft.gov
- http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
Credit Bureau Contact Details
Credit bureaus must provide free copies of credit reports to victims of identity theft.
- Free Annual Credit Report
www.annualcreditreport.com - Equifax
800-525-6285 (Fraud Hotline)
www.equifax.com 800-685-1111 (Order a Report) - Experian
888-397-3742 (Fraud Hotline)
www.experian.com 888-397-3742 (Order a Report) - TransUnion
800-680-7289 (Fraud Hotline)
www.transunion.com 800-916-8800 (Order a Report)
Actions for Fraud Victims
If you suspect fraud, it is important to act quickly to minimize potential damage and your own liability. It is important to keep a detailed account of conversations you have with authorities and financial institutions.
Credit Bureaus. Immediately call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies - Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Ask that your account include a statement referencing the possibility of fraud.
Creditors. Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently - by phone and in writing. Monitor your accounts closely for any further fraudulent activity.
Law Enforcement. Report the crime to police with jurisdiction in your case. Provide any documentation that you have collected. Get a copy of your police report. Keep the phone number of your fraud investigator handy and give it to creditors and others who require verification of your case.
Financial Institutions. If you have checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, contact the institution to report the crime. Put stop payments on appropriate outstanding checks. Close your checking and savings accounts and open new accounts. If your ATM card is stolen or compromised, get a new card and PIN. When choosing a PIN, don't use common numbers like the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, license number or street address.
U.S. Postal Service. Notify the local Postal Inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of your address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud.
Social Security Administration. Call to report fraudulent use of your Social Security number.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Call to see if another license was issued in your name. Go to your local DMV to request a new number. Also, fill out the DMV's complaint form to begin the fraud investigation process. Send supporting documents with the completed form to the nearest DMV investigation office. Request a driver's license number different than your Social Security number if available in your state.
Civil Courts. If a civil judgment has been entered in your name for actions taken by your impostor, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft. If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the state Department of Justice and the FBI.