Kiplinger’s

July, 1998, pgs 65-71

If Someone Steals Your Identity

               >   Equifax (800) 525-6285

               >   Experian (888) 397-3742

               >   Trans Union (800) 680-7289

• Put a "Fraud Alert" on your credit file. It warns creditors not to open an
  account in your name until they call you to verify the legitimacy of the application.

• Check your Social Security record for unexplained earnings by calling
  (800) 537-7005. If your number has been used fraudulently, call the agency’s
  fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271.

• Get a copy of your file with local check-verification services if you believe bad
  checks have been written in your name. Local merchants should be able to tell
  you which ones operate locally.

• Consider changing your driver’s license number if someone has used yours to
  write bad checks.

• Report identity-theft crimes to police and sheriff’s departments with jurisdiction
  in the case – that is, where the crime took place. Get a copy of the police report,
  it may help clear your name with credit reporting agencies.