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| Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud: FAQ
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Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud
In today’s high-tech, fast-paced society, identity theft is becoming increasingly common. I may be able to help constituents who believe they may be the victim of identity theft by directing them to the appropriate authorities. My office can also provide information about steps to take to protect individuals from identity theft.
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A Privacy
Act Release form
will need to be completed and sent with a
detailed explanation of your request for
assistance to:
Congressman Paul Ryan
20 South Main Street, Suite 10
Janesville, WI 53545
Fax: (608) 752-4711
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Frequently
Asked Questions
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What is identity theft? Answer
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How can I prevent becoming a victim of identity theft? What steps can I take if I believe someone has accessed my personal information?
Answer
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Who can I contact if I believe I am the victim of identity theft? Answer
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How can I obtain a free copy of my credit report? Answer
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How can I obtain more information about identity theft? Answer
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What is identity theft?
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Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information - such as your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, or bank or credit card account numbers - without your permission. Identity fraud occurs when another individual uses your personal information to commit fraud or another crime, for example, opening a bank or credit account, writing bad checks, or taking out a loan using your information.  top
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How can I prevent becoming a victim of identity theft? What steps can I take if I believe someone has accessed my personal information?
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While it’s impossible to entirely control whether or not you will become a victim of identity theft, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk.
The web sites listed below contain helpful information about how to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft, as well as steps you should take if you believe your personal information has been compromised:
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Who can I contact if I believe I am the victim of identity theft?
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The toll-free hotlines listed below can provide information about what to do if you believe that your personal information has been accessed and/or used by another individual:
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The Federal Trade Commission consumer help and information hotline: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
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Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection hotline to request further information about identity theft: 1-800-422-7128 top
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How can I obtain a free copy of my credit report?
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The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (FACT Act) added new sections to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), intended primarily to help individuals fight the growing crime of identity theft. The FACT Act allows consumers to request and obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies:
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Equifax
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Experian
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TransUnion
You may also request a free copy of your credit report by
visiting AnnualCreditReport.com's web site,
or by calling its hotline: 1-877-322-8228.
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only service authorized by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for the purpose of providing free copies of consumer credit reports under the FACT Act. Please note that, as a security precaution, consumers should never provide their personal information to any other company or person in connection with requesting free annual credit reports under the FACT Act. top |
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How can I obtain more information about identity theft?
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I would be happy to provide you with more information about identity theft, steps to take to protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim of identity theft. If you would like me to send helpful information to you, please
email me or call my Janesville Constituent Services Center toll-free at 1-888-909-RYAN (7926). top
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