Fullerton, Calif. – Trans Union, LLC announced today helpful
tips to consumers on how they can protect themselves from credit fraud and
identity theft. With the recent apprehension of Abraham Abdallah, arrested last
Tuesday in connection with credit fraud committed against such noted celebrities
as Steven Speilberg, Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey, Trans Union is hoping to
proactively help consumers protect themselves against being a victim of a
similar crime.
“Consumer awareness and cooperation of credit agencies are key to preventing
such fraud and safeguarding credit histories,” said Diane Terry, director of
Trans Union’s Fraud Victim Assistance Department (FVAD). “Trans Union is the
only company in the credit industry that actively helps consumers and companies
identify, reduce and resolve credit fraud with a dedicated department. With a
staff of more than 100 highly trained experts, Trans Union’s FVAD is a
dedicated resource that provides one-on-one service to the victims of credit
fraud.”
The FVAD works to prevent credit fraud and partners with consumers to resolve
cases and restore their credit files. Victims of credit fraud are urged to
contact Trans Union’s FVAD by calling 1-800-680-7289 if they feel they may be
at risk. Other helpful tips are as follows:
Credit Fraud Prevention Tips
-- Cut up, shed, or otherwise destroy pre-approved credit offers that you
don’t use.
-- Secure your mailbox to limit the risk of stolen mail.
-- If your mail has been tampered with, or stolen, contact postal authorities
and consider your self at risk.
-- Avoid carrying such documents as a Social Security card, birth certificate or
passport.
-- Reduce the number of credit cards you are carrying to a minimum.
-- Keep a list of your credit and bank accounts in a secure place, such as a
lock box.
-- Avoid giving personal information over the phone or the Internet, unless you
are certain of the caller’s identity.
-- Do not have your Social Security or driver’s license number printed on your
checks.
-- If your credit cards or checks have been stolen or lost, notify your
creditors and banks immediately. Request that your bank account number be
changed and that new checks be issued.
-- Order your credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus at least once
a year to ensure that the information on your credit report is accurate.
-- Consider listing only your name and number (no address) in your telephone
book.
If your identity is stolen
-- Start keeping records. At the first sign of fraud, begin a log of dates and
time spent solving this problem; Make sure to keep accurate records.
-- Contact Trans Union’s Fraud Victim Assistance Department. Contact Trans
Union at 800.680.7289, P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92634; Request a copy of your
file, and ask for the fraudulent information to be removed. Also, request that a
fraud alert be added to your file, and a statement about the fraud for creditors
to see.
-- Call and write all creditors on you credit report. Alert all credit-card
companies, stores, and other about fraud. Demand that the inaccurate information
be removed.
-- Check for and repair further breaches of your identity. Ask about the status
of existing accounts, recent change-of-address requests, and new accounts at
your bank; the company that handles your investments; the department of motor
vehicles; the Social Security Administration; and your phone company.
-- Call and write law-enforcement authorities. Report fraud to the local police,
the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI (if a bank is involved), and the U.S. Postal
Inspector.
About Trans Union
As a leading global information solutions provider with 3600 employees worldwide, TransUnion LLC enables businesses to effectively manage their financial risks and capitalize on market opportunities with innovative credit decisioning tools and information. The company's products and services are shaped by customer needs and reflect the most advanced, tailored solutions for diverse industry sectors.
TransUnion serves a broad range of industries including financial and banking services, insurance providers, mortgage and real estate services, direct marketers and retailers, collection agencies, communication and energy companies and healthcare facilities. TransUnion's extensive product offerings meet the changing credit requirements of customers not only by providing basic credit reports but also by developing and marketing a broad range of information products and services such as risk and profitability models, credit approval assessment, fraud prevention, portfolio management and target marketing tools.
TransUnion also leverages its role as facilitator to engage and educate consumers, building better relationships between businesses and consumers. It does so by improving accuracy, fraud protection, understanding and trust to drive continued economic growth and consumer prosperity. www.transunion.com