Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Fraud
Important steps:
- Change your log-in credentials for your online banking for all financial institutions.
- Change your email password as that may be a point of entry for the fraudster.
- Report the fraud with the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website if you are a victim of identity theft.
- In the Bay Area, if you suspect your computer has malware, contact Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force to file a complaint.
- You should not scrub your computer until you speak to NCCCTF or a similar agency in your area.
- File a police report with your local police department if any losses are identified.
- Contact the three Credit Reporting Bureaus to place a fraud alert and review your credit report. These reports are free annually for you.
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or Equifax website
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or Experian Website
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or TransUnion website
- You can also contact all three and review your reports through Annual Credit Report's website.
- Consider contacting your other creditors to inform them of ID theft if you are a victim.
- File a complaint at Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) with the FBI for online internet crimes.
