Identity Theft Information

This packet will provide victims with a list of resources and instructions when dealing with an identity theft situation. The Webster Police Department will assist victims associated with this crime, but unfortunately, the victims themselves are burdened with resolving their own credit problems. Victims of identity theft must act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage to their good name and credit history.

When dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, try to keep a log of all your conversations, including dates, times, names, and phone numbers. In this packet, there will be a worksheet for your convenience when logging this contact information. There will also be an identity theft affidavit supplied by the Federal Trade Commission, which has been adapted by all financial and credit institutions when filing fraudulent activities to your personal accounts.

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact the Webster Police Departments Bureau of Criminal Investigations at 508-943-1212 and a detective will try to answer questions regarding your case. You can also download the Identity Theft Worksheet (PDF).

If You're a Victim

If you find that you're a victim of identity theft, the Webster Police Department immediately urges you to take the following steps:

Credit Bureaus

Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus and report the theft. Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval.

Equifax
Phone: 800-525-6285
website
Experian
Phone: 888-397-3742
website
Trans Union
Phone: 800-680-7289
website

For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security department of the appropriate creditor or financial institution. Close these accounts and put passwords (not your mother's maiden name or Social Security number) on any new accounts you open.

Fraudulent Use of Checks

To report fraudulent use of your personal checks, contact the following national checking agencies:

Certigy / Equifax
Phone: 800-437-5120
CheckRite
Phone: 800-766-2748
Chexsystems
Phone: 800-428-9623
CrossCheck
Phone: 800-843-0760
International Check
Phone: 800-526-5380
SCAN
Phone: 800-262-7771
TeleCheck
Phone: 800-710-9898

File a Report With Police

You must file a report with your local police department or the police department where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime later.

Identity Theft Clearinghouse

Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338) to report the theft. Counselors will take your complaint and advise you on how to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from identity theft. The Identity Theft Hotline gives you one place to report the theft to the federal government and receive helpful information.

Identity Theft Information