Investor Education – Living Well
Protecting Your Identity
A few simple steps go a long way to protect you
from becoming an identity theft victim
www.equifax.com
(800) 525-6285: to report fraud
(800) 685-1111: to order a credit report
www.experian.com
(888) 397-3742
www.transunion.com
(800) 680-7289: to report fraud
(800) 916-8800: to order a credit report
- Store documents that contain personal information in a safe, private location.
- Do not share your Social Security Number with anyone who does not need it. Feel comfortable asking why the person / company needs your number.
- Mail items that contain account or personal information from a post office.
- Shred mail, like credit card offers, that allows you to open or extend credit accounts.
- Obtain your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus.
- Review your credit report annually.
It could take some time to repair the damage done by identity thieves. Follow these steps to get started.
- File a police report with your local authorities.
- Contact each of the three major credit reporting bureaus to request a fraud alert or lock be placed on your accounts. Be sure to document conversations.
- Obtain copies of your credit report to discover which, if any, accounts have been compromised. Credit reports are free in cases of identity theft.
- Contact the issuer of any affected accounts. Ask for accounts to be "closed at customer’s request."
- Consider having a hold placed on unaffected accounts.
For more information on this topic, please contact us. At Bartlett & Co, we assist high net worth individuals and their families in defining & reaching their life goals.