Where to Get Help with Identity Theft Protection
Part of the Identity Theft For Dummies Cheat Sheet
If you need help with identity protection, there's plenty available. Identity theft protection companies, credit bureaus, and government agencies are there to help you protect your identity or restore your reputation should you become a victim. Here's a summary of those resources:
| Agency/Name | Phone Number | What Information They Provide |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Trade Commission | 877-382-4357 | How to protect yourself and what to do if you are a victim. |
| Social Security Administration | 800-772-1213 | How to report fraud and misuse of your SSN. |
| United States Postal Service | 877-876-2455 (Postal Inspectors) It is under the tab contact us. MJA | How to protect yourself from becoming a victim and how to report mail theft. |
| Equifax | 866-640-2273 | Credit bureau; provides credit reports you can use to track your credit history and standing |
| Experian | 888-397-3742 It is on the web site under contact us MJA | Credit bureau; provides credit reports you can use to track your credit history and standing |
| TransUnion | 800-680-7289 | Credit bureau; provides credit reports you can use to track your credit history and standing |
| AnnualCreditReport.com (Free credit report; no monthly fee) | 877-322-8228 It is on the site MJA | Order free annual credit report from all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) at no charge |
| ChexSystems | 800-428-9623 | Check verification company; Helps with fraudulent, lost, or stolen checks. Also provides information on why a check was denied. |
| Certegy (No Web site) | 800-437-5120 | Check verification company; helps with fraudulent, lost, or stolen checks. Also provides information on why a check was denied. |
| TeleCheck (Owned by First Data) |
800-366-2425 | Check verification company; helps with fraudulent, lost, or stolen checks. Also provides information on why a check was denied. |
| SCAN | 800-262-7771 | Check verification company; helps with fraudulent, lost, or stolen checks. Also provides information on why a check was denied. |
| Identity Theft Resource Center | 888 400-5530 | Information about identity theft and resources to assist you if you become a victim. |
| Privacy Rights Clearinghouse | 619-298-3396 | Information on identity theft prevention and what to do if you become a victim. |
| U.S. Department of Justice | 202-514-2000 (Main switchboard) | Identity theft prevention and reporting if you become a victim. |
| Truston | 800-960-5512 | Identity theft prevention company; guides you through the process of fixing your credit if you become a victim. Provides information on preventing identity theft. |
| LifeLock | 800-543-3562 | Identity theft prevention company; guides you through the process of fixing your credit if you become a victim. Provides information on preventing identity theft. |
