Take Action Against Online Fraud

Protect yourself from online fraud and identity theft by keeping your personal information private when you are online. If you do become a victim of fraud, here's what you should do:

  • File a report with your local police department. Get a copy of the police report to notify your bank, credit card company, and other creditors that you are a victim of a crime, not a credit abuser. Depending on where you live, you may be required to file a report in the jurisdiction where the crime actually took place.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Ask that no new credit be granted without your approval. Review your reports carefully; look for things like inquiries you didn't initiate, accounts you didn't open, and unexplained debts. In the United States, you can contact these three credit bureaus:
    • Equifax (800) 525-6285
    • Experian (888) 397-3742
    • TransUnion (800) 680-7289
  • Outside the United States, you can contact your bank or financial institution, which can direct you to the relevant organization or agency.
  • Close any fraudulently accessed or opened accounts. Speak with the security or fraud department of each bank or financial institution you deal with, including credit card companies, and follow up with a letter.
  • Contact the genuine company or organization if you believe you've given sensitive information to an unknown source masquerading as that real company or organization. This is known as a phishing attack. If you contact the real company immediately, they may be able to lessen the damage to you and others.
  • Change the passwords on all of your online accounts, starting with any that are related to financial institutions or information.
  • In the United States, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you are a victim of any type of identity theft, you can report the theft by calling the FTC's toll-free Identity Theft Hotline at (877) ID-THEFT or (877) 438-4338. You can also file a complaint online.
  • In the United States, report the fraud to Fraud.org, the National Fraud Information Center. Use the online complaint form or call (800) 876-7060.
  • Record and save everything you do to clear up the wrongdoing, including copies of e-mail messages, written correspondence, and records of telephone calls.

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