Georgia’s Web site for Identity Theft Victims

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      Make a report with the Hall County Sheriff's Office when an incident occurs.

      Identity Theft Video

      To file a report:  Hall County Sheriff's Office (770) 536-8812

      To file complaint with Federal Trade Commission

      To schedule an identity theft program contact:  Sergeant Shad Hall (770) 533-7807

      Provide as much documentation as possible, to include who you talked to at xyz company and their phone number, copies of statements, etc.  Contact all your creditors, by phone and in writing (include a Universal Fraud Affidavit), and inform them of the problem. 

     Suspects often apply for Instant Credit at businesses in your name.  If you already have an account with the company he says “I forgot about that, how much credit do I have.  I’ll take the Big Screen TV, Washer/ Dryer, and a new computer”.  

      Here are some additional steps:

·    Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the identity theft.

·    Obtain your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus.  Attempt to get one from a local bureau in the area the fraud occurred.  Report the identity theft to their fraud units.  Have a “Fraud Alert/Victim Impact” statement placed in your credit file asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts.

·    Alert your bank and check verification companies to flag your accounts and to contact you to confirm unusual activity.  Change your account numbers if they were compromised. Request a change of PIN’s and Passwords if they are easily guessed, or were compromised.

·    Obtain your Social Security Administration (SSA) report and check for benefits paid out, or income earned in your name.  Report the situation to the SSA Fraud Hotline if your SSN was misused.

·    Check post office for possible change of address for you.  Suspects have filed for a Change of address to have all mail concerning the fraud come to their address, or a fictitious address, so you don’t see it.  This gives them more time to commit more fraud.

·    Check tenant screening services for apartments rented in your name (This may also be available on your credit report).

·    Contact the Georgia Department Motor Vehicle Safety (404) 362-6002 and see if a license, or any traffic citations were issued in your name.  If so, request a new license number and fill out the DMV’s complaint form to begin the fraud investigation process.

·    Keep a log of all contacts and make copies of all documents.  Ask for a fraud investigator at most companies as a point of contact.

·    Contact a privacy or consumer advocacy group for assistance and resources.

Checks

Stolen checks or bank accounts set up fraudulently in your name, call these check guarantee companies.  They can flag your file so that counterfeit checks will be refused.

 

CheckRite, (800) 766-2748

Chexsystems, (800) 428-9623

CrossCheck, (707) 586-0551

Equifax, (800) 437-5120

International Check Services, (800) 526-5380

SCAN, (800) 262-2771

TeleCheck, (800) 710-9898

NATIONAL CHECK FRAUD CENTER:  1-843-571-2143   
 

Consumer Advocacy Groups:

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse                      U.S. Public Interest Research Group

1717 Kettner Ave., Ste. 105                            218 D St. S.E.

San Diego, CA 2101                                        Washington, DC 20001

Phone: (619) 298-3396                                    Phone: (202) 546-9707

E-mail: prc@privacyrights.org                           E-mail: pirg@pirg.org