What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft
If you suspect you've fallen victim to identity theft, take action immediately to minimize the disruption to your life and your credit history. Here are some steps to take:
Report the fraud. All lenders, banks, credit card companies and credit bureaus have phone numbers set up to handle reports of fraud and identify theft. If you haven't done so already, write these numbers down in a safe place where you can retrieve them in an emergency.
The Principal fraud hotline is 800.642.3788. Or you can contact us via our Web site at principal.com/reportfraud.htm.
Notify the three major consumer reporting credit bureaus so that a fraud alert can be placed on your credit file. A fraud alert requires creditors to verify your identity before opening any new accounts in your name or changing existing accounts. You will only need to contact one credit bureau to do this — that company will notify the others.
Request a copy of your credit report when placing the fraud alert on your credit file. Credit bureaus are required to provide a free credit report to victims of identity theft. Request one from each agency to check for accounts have been opened without your consent. If you find any, notify the credit bureau and the business where the account was opened. Once your dispute is resolved, the bureau will send you a new copy of your credit report for your review to ensure that your file has been corrected. Here are the victim-assistance phone numbers and Web sites for the three bureaus:
- Equifax
1.800.525.6285
www.equifax.com - TransUnion
1.800.680.7289
www.tuc.com - Experian
1.888.397.3742
www.experian.com
Contact your local police department and file a report. This can help convince creditors that someone else opened the account in your name.
Contact other creditors by phone to let them know of the possibility of fraudulent activity on your accounts and follow up with a letter. Closely monitor all of your accounts. Report any discrepancies immediately.
Close any accounts that may have been tampered with and reopen them with new account numbers and passwords.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by phone at 1.877.IDTHEFT (1.877.438.4338) or use the online complaint form at consumer.gov/idtheft. The FTC handles complaints from victims of identity theft and can help by referring you to credit bureau and law enforcement agencies.
Take the next step...
If you suspect a breach of the account held for your benefit with The Principal, call our fraud hotline at 1.800.642.3788 or report unethical or fraudulent activity via our website.
