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Are You A Victim Of Identity Theft?

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Are You A Victim Of Identity Theft?

HARTFORD — In response to Governor M. Jodi Rell’s recent call for state agencies to support veterans in protecting their identity and financial security following a recent government report indicating the theft of millions of veteran’s records in Virginia, the Department of Consumer Protection offers these tips to anyone who is concerned that their personal information may have gotten into the wrong hands.

Starting today and on an ongoing basis, carefully monitor the balances of your financial accounts. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals.

Other indications of identity theft include failing to receive bills or other mail, which may signal an address change by the identity thief; receiving credit cards for which you did not apply; being denied credit for no apparent reason; or receiving calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you did not buy.

Although any of these indications could be a result of a simple error, consumers should not assume that there has been a mistake and do nothing. Always follow up with the business or institution to find out.

If an identity thief is using your credit or opening new credit accounts in your name, these accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. Therefore, you should immediately order a copy of your credit report on file with any of three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

The DEP strongly suggests that consumers also get a free copy of their credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. A federal law makes this possible. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to learn more.

Be wary of other websites that offer free reports. They are not commissioned by the federal government and there would be hidden charges.

Free reports can also be requested by calling 877-322-8228, or by writing to Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348. Do not contact the credit services directly for free reports.

To track accounts over the coming year, the DCP suggests ordering free report from one credit agency now, request one in a few months from a second credit reporting agency, and contact the third agency for a free annual report in nine to 12 months.

A credit report contains information on where someone lives, how they pay their bills, and whether they have been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

Check each report carefully to make sure it is accurate. If there is any inaccurate information, consumers should also then check their reports from the other two credit bureaus. Note: If personal information has been lost or stolen, consider checking reports more frequently for the first year. The website provides specific instructions for further safeguarding and repairing accounts.

Much more information on identity theft is available on the Department of Consumer Protection website at www.ct.gov/dep.

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