Identity Theft

In recent weeks, several residents of Cherry Hills Village have fallen victim of identity theft. In most cases, unknown individuals opened fraudulent credit card accounts in the name of the victims and used these credit cards for fraudulent purchases. The victims find out about these credit card accounts when they receive a notice they are overdue for payment on the account.

There are a few ways to protect your identity from being stolen or misused.

-          Don’t leave your mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.

-          Deposit mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes.

-          Tear up or shred unwanted document that contain personal information

In addition to these tips it is also important to check your credit report once a year if there are any accounts opened in your name without your consent. Residents of Colorado can request one free credit from the three major credit reporting agencies.

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  www.equifax.com
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  www.experian.com
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  www.transunion.com

   

  For more information on identity theft or if you have become the victim of identity theft you can contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or call their Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338.