Identity Theft

       If you have been a victim of an identity theft, here are a few things to understand:
     If you live in Hawthorn Woods, report the crime to the Hawthorn Woods Police Department. If you live outside Hawthorn Woods, call your local police department.
     Typically the offender and the crime are outside our jurisdiction and in other states. The offender steals personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers or driver’s license numbers. They open accounts using a consumers name and run up charges on the account. Or, they use the personal information to charge goods and services to a consumer’s existing accounts. In other cases, they have assumed the victims identity and may work, or even be arrested, while using the victim’s name.
     While the Hawthorn Woods Police Department does not have the resources available to travel outside our jurisdiction to follow up on leads and interview witness, don’t give up hope. There are federal agencies in place to assist us with these types of crimes. You will have to do several things.
     First you will need to contact the three major credit-reporting agencies and advise the fraud department of the crime. Have them place a “fraud alert” on your credit so if anyone tries to get credit in your name they will need to check with you first. The three most common credit reporting agencies are:

Equifax	1-800-525-6285	www.equifax.com
Experian	1-888-397-3742	www.experian.com
Trans Union	1-800-680-7289	www.transunion.com

     You will need to contact all credit institutions that have issued you credit. Close the account and insist that any new accounts must have a password. Do not use your Social Security Number or mothers maiden name.
    Call the ID theft clearinghouse toll-free at, 1-877-ID.THEFT (1.877.438.4338). You will talk to a counselor who will tell you how to deal with this problem. You can also use the website: www.consumer.gov/idtheft to report the theft to the federal government and receive helpful information.
     Unfortunately there is no quick or simple way to fix this problem but hopefully the information provided will be of help to you. If you need any further information please feel free to contact this department.