How to Report a Stolen ID to Credit Bureaus

Identity theft happens when someone gets access to your personal information and uses it for fraudulent purposes. In some cases, identity thieves can open new credit accounts, make purchases or drain your bank account before you realize what has happened. Fortunately, the three credit bureaus --- Experian, Equifax and TransUnion --- have a fraud alert system that can protect you against many of the problems caused by identity theft.

Instructions

1

Visit your local police station and complete an identity theft report. This is similar to a police report, but includes details that are helpful to the credit bureaus, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Provide the police with as much information as possible about the identity theft, including when and where the thief used your identity to open credit accounts or purchase items.

2

Mail a copy of your identity theft report to the three credit bureaus (see Resources) and any other companies involved in the identity theft (e.g., a credit card issuer). Send each identity theft report by certified mail with a return receipt, and keep careful records of all correspondence with these companies.

3

Respond promptly to any request for more information from the companies involved, or the credit bureaus. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the companies that receive your report have 15 days to request additional information.

4

Contact TransUnion (see Resources) and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. You can ask for an initial fraud alert or an extended fraud alert. An initial fraud alert will remain on file for 90 days, while an extended fraud alert will remain on file for seven years. TransUnion will notify Equifax and Experian of the fraud alert on your behalf.

5

Ask TransUnion to place a credit freeze on your credit file, if necessary. This will prevent any new companies from accessing your credit report. (Note: Some states do not allow credit freezes.)

6

Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus. Review the report for any fraudulent information. Send a copy of your identity theft report by certified mail to any companies that report fraudulent information on your credit reports, and ask them to remove these entries. Always request a letter stating that the company has removed the incorrect information and discharged any fraudulent debt associated with it.