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Identity Theft Protection

Posted on: December 4, 2012 - 6:11pm

Identity theft is a serious crime.  The Simsbury Police Department wants its community to protect themselves.  The following are suggestions if you suspect identity theft:

1. Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports.  The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing a 90-day fraud alert.  The companies and numbers are:
* Equifax:1-800-525-6285
* Experian: 1-888-397-3742
* TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
A call to one company is enough.  Placing this alert also entitles you to free copies of your credit report. 

2. Close any account that has been tampered with by calling the fraud departments of each company that an account was open or changed.  Keep copies of documents and records of you conversation about the thefts.

3. Call the Simsbury Police Department at 658-3100 to file a police report.

4. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
* Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
* By phone: 1-877-438-4338

Always protect your Social Security number.  Do not give out personal information on the phone or through the mail.  Shred all financial documents and paperwork with personal information before discarding them.  Identity theft can happen to any of us.  Working together, we can deter identity theft crimes.