Identity Theft

Interwoven with many cases of fraud and forgery is the crime identity theft. Starting with a stolen social security number and a mother's maiden name, identity thieves can open new accounts in your name and obtain goods, services, and money. You first become notified when the bills start arriving or creditors call looking for bills to be paid.

The San Bruno Police Department takes reports on identity theft when your personal identifying information is used to obtain goods and services within the city limits. If your information is used elsewhere, we can take a courtesy report, but investigative responsibility lies where the goods or services were obtained. As such, we recommend you contact the appropriate law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over where the goods or services were obtained.

In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, names and phone numbers. Note time spent and expenses incurred. Confirm conversations in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep copies of all letters and documents.

  1. Credit Bureaus & Creditors
  2. Law Enforcement
  3. Banking / Financial
  4. Physical ID & Address
  5. Legal

Credit Bureaus

Immediately call the fraud units of one of the three credit reporting companies and report the theft of your credit cards or numbers. Ask that your account be flagged. Also add a victim's statement to your report, up to 100 words (example: "My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX to verify all applications").

Be sure to ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your account, and how you can extend it if necessary.

Creditors

Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently - by phone and in writing. Get replacement cards with new account numbers for your accounts that have been used fraudulently. Ask that old accounts be processed as "account closed at consumer's request".

Carefully monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity. Report it immediately to credit grantors.