Take These Steps if You've Been the Victim of Identity Theft

2.5-minute read | May 10, 2024

What You’ll Learn 

      • Learn essential steps to take as an identity theft victim, including how to secure your identity, report the theft, and utilize resources from Salal’s Fraud Department.

 

Identity theft is an unfortunately common occurrence in the modern digital world we live in today. If you have ever been a victim of identity theft and fraud, you know how stressful and overwhelming it can be. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. If you suspect that your personal information has been compromised, it’s crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage and protect your identity. This guide provides a helpful checklist of actions you should take immediately, from contacting credit bureaus to alerting law enforcement. Each step will help secure your identity and prevent further misuse of your personal information.

Identity Theft Checklist

Keep detailed records and stay organized.

As you work through this checklist, remember to keep detailed records of the people, companies, and law enforcement agencies you interact with. Use a notebook or spreadsheet to stay organized.

Complete and submit an ID Theft Affidavit form.

Salal’s ID Theft Affidavit can be found at SalalCU.org/Forms. Submit your ID Theft form in person at a Salal branch, by mail to Salal’s Fraud Department at PO Box 75029, Seattle, WA 98175-0029, fax it to 206.260.7320, or email it to Fraud@SalalCU.org.

Place a fraud alert on your Social Security number.

  • Equifax: 888.766.0008 (Equifax.com)
  • Experian: 888.397.3742 (Experian.com)
  • Innovis: 800.540.2505 (Innovis.com)
  • TransUnion: 800.680.7289 (TransUnion.com)

Report to law enforcement.

File a report with your local law enforcement agency. Provide as much detail as you can when completing the report. Remember to get a copy of the report after it’s processed. Creditors and credit bureaus may ask for a copy of the report.

Notify your financial institutions and/or creditors.

Alert all your financial institutions that your identity was stolen. Ask them to put a note or a security code on your accounts. Close any accounts or cards that were compromised. Also, consider opting out of online banking features you don’t use to reduce the risk of future ID theft.

Review your credit reports.

Regularly review your credit reports for any accounts or activities you don’t recognize. Check the personal information section to make sure all info is correct. Contact the credit bureau to correct any errors. Salal members can check their credit score and credit report anytime for free with SavvyMoney in digital banking.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

You can do this online at IdentityTheft.gov.

Notify the Credit Bureaus in writing.

Send them a letter with your police report and ID theft affidavit. Make sure to keep copies for your records.

  • Equifax: PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374
  • Experian: PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
  • TransUnion: PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022
  • Innovis: PO Box 26, Pittsburgh, PA 15230

If your driver’s license or other ID was stolen.

Contact your local DMV to report the theft. For a stolen passport, notify the State Department ASAP at USA.gov/Lost-Stolen-Passport.

If mail was stolen or an identity thief has changed your address.

Alert the Postal Inspector’s office to report the incident. They may ask you to provide a copy of your police report and/or ID Theft Affidavit. To find your nearest Postal Inspector’s office, go to USPIS.gov.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions or need help filling out the affidavit, call Salal’s Fraud Department at 206.298.9394 or 800.562.5515, ext. 8922 (M–F, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. PT).

Share This Post

Schedule a Free Homebuyer Planning Session

Fill out the form below and one of our Mortgage Advisors will get back to you within 1-2 business days. Their recommendations come with no obligation.

Schedule a Free Homebuyer Planning Session

Fill out the form below and one of our Mortgage Advisors will get back to you within 1-2 business days. Their recommendations come with no obligation.

Schedule a Free Mortgage Review Session

Fill out the form below and one of our Mortgage Advisors will get back to you within 1-2 business days. Their recommendations come with no obligation.

Schedule a Call

Select your state below to schedule a call with the Salal Dealer Direct representative in your region.