ID Theft Faceoff

• If someone has stolen your financial information, it's best to just wait a couple weeks.
• False. You should take action right away. 

• The best way to get a free copy of your credit report is to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. 
• False. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to ask for and receive one free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months.

• One of the best ways to protect your identity is by using online passwords only you would know, like the last four digits of your Social Security Number. 
• False. Criminals can often find out this information easily. 

• Identity theft only consists of drivers' licences and name badges. 
• False. Refer to name, Social Security Number, and financial information as well.

• If one of your stolen pieces of information is your Social Security Number, you can place an "initial fraud alert" by calling one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. 
• True. Can stop someone from opening new credit accounts under your name. 

• If the stolen information includes government-issued ID's, all you need to do is create a facsimile using a recent color photo. 
• False. You should contact the agency that issued the document and follow its procedures.

• The names of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies are Equinox, ExperiCorps, and TransAmerica. 
• False. 

• If your identity has been stolen, and you notice you haven't received bills, this is a sign that your identity has been restored.
• False. If the bills don't come, that means someone is still "hijacking" your identity.