Q. If I receive e-mails or phone calls about this incident from someone posing as the attacker does this mean my identify has been stolen?
A. No, these types of fraudulent e-mails or phone calls do not mean that your identity has been stolen but could be the criminals continuing their phishing scams by reaching out trying to get you to respond. It is recommended that you not engage with them in any way – just hang up the phone if you receive a call and delete any emails. However, you should always be on the lookout for these types of fraudulent activities. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know who you’re dealing with. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs) and even government agencies to get you to reveal your SSN, mother’s maiden name, account numbers, and other identifying information. Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check an organization’s website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. Or call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book.
Q. Will Truman contact me to ask for private information because of this event?
A. Please be aware that Truman will only contact you with information regarding steps you should take to prevent possible fraud or identity theft; or if you ask us, by email or telephone, for information. We will not ask for your full Social Security number. We will not ask for credit card or bank information. We recommend that you do not release personal information in response to any contacts of this nature that you have not initiated.
If you elect not to sign up for identity theft protection you may want to consider these additional recommendations from the Federal Trade Commission:
Q. Should I consider placing a fraud alert on my credit file?
A. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you place a free fraud alert on your credit file.
Q. What is a fraud alert?
A. A fraud alert is a message that credit issuers receive when someone applies for new credit in your name. The message tells creditors that there is possible fraud associated with the account and gives them a phone number to call (yours) before issuing new credit. When you call the credit bureau fraud line, you will be asked for identifying information and will be given the opportunity to enter a phone number for creditors to call.
Detailed information on requesting such an alert is located near the end of the Resources page of this website. Essentially, when you set a fraud alert you instruct credit issuers to flag your file with a fraud alert including a statement that creditors should get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name and you should receive free copies of your credit report(s), you can then review and verify your account information as well as close any accounts that you find have been opened fraudulently.
Q. How do I place a fraud alert on my credit file?
A. Contact any one of the three major credit bureaus. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other are notified to place fraud alerts. Information for contacting the credit bureaus can be found on the Resources page of this website.
Q. Do I have to call all three credit bureaus?
A. No. If you call just one of the bureaus, they will notify the other two. A fraud alert will be placed on your file with all three and you will receive a confirming letter from all three.
Q. How long does a fraud alert last?
A. An initial fraud alert stays on your credit report for one year. You can renew it after one year. You can also remove an alert by calling the credit bureaus at the phone number given on your credit report.
Q. Can I just remove all access to my credit file ?
A. You can place a free credit freeze on your credit file. A credit freeze means potential creditors cannot get your credit report. That makes is less likely that an identity thief can open new accounts in your name. To place a freeze contact each of the major credit bureaus at the links or phone numbers on the Resources page. A freeze remains in place until you ask the credit bureau to temporarily lift it or remove it.
Do I have to pay for the credit report?
A. No. You are entitled to receive one free credit file disclosure every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This free credit file can be requested at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp, by phone or by mail.
Q. Why can’t I talk to someone at the credit bureaus?
A. You must first order your credit reports. When you receive your reports, each one will have a phone number you can call to speak with someone in the bureau’s fraud unit. If you see anything on any of your reports that looks unusual or that you don’t understand, call the number on the report.
Q. What should I look for on my credit report?
A. Look for any accounts that you don’t recognize, especially accounts opened recently. Look at the inquiries or requests section for names of creditors from whom you haven’t requested credit.Note that some kinds of inquiries, labeled something like “promotional inquiries,” are for unsolicited offers of credit, mostly from companies with whom you do business. Don’t be concerned about those inquiries as a sign of fraud. (You are automatically removed from lists to receive unsolicited pre-approved credit offers when you put a fraud alert on your account. You can also stop those offers by calling 888-5OPTOUT.) Look in the personal information section for addresses where you’ve never lived. Any of these things might be indications of fraud. Also be on the alert for other possible signs of identity theft, such as calls from creditors or debt collectors about bills that you don’t recognize, or unusual charges on your credit card bills.
If you find items you don’t understand on your report, call the credit bureau at the number given on the report. Credit bureau staff will review your report with you. If the information can’t be explained, then you will need to call the creditors involved and report the crime to your local police or sheriff’s office.
Q. How else can I request my free annual credit file disclosure?
A. If free credit reports are available in your state through the Annual Credit Report Request Service, you can request a free annual credit report by phone or mail and it will be mailed within 15 days. Or you can receive a report immediately by visiting https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp, which also provides information on how to request a free annual credit report by phone or mail.
Q. Will a fraud alert stop me from using my credit cards?
A. No. A fraud alert will not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts. It may slow down your ability to get new credit. Its purpose is to help protect you against an identity thief trying to open credit accounts in your name. Credit issuers get a special message alerting them to the possibility of fraud. Creditors know that they should re-verify the identity of the person applying for credit.
Q. Can I still apply for credit after I place a fraud alert on my credit report?
A. You should still be able to get credit. While a fraud alert may slow down the application process, you can prove your identity to a prospective creditor by providing identifying information.
Q. How will I know if any of my personal information was used by someone else?
A. The best way to find out is to obtain your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. If you notice accounts on your credit report that you did not open or applications for credit (“inquiries”) that you did not make, these could be indications that someone else is using your personal information, without your permission.
Q. What happens if I find out that I have been a victim of identify theft?
A. You should immediately notify your local law enforcement agency, contact any creditors involved and notify the credit bureaus.
Q. Where can I find more information about identify theft?
A. You can visit the FTC’s website, IdentityTheft.gov/databreach, about steps you can take to help protect yourself from identity theft. The steps are based on the types of information exposed in the breach.
