Identity Theft
HELP, I am a Victim of Identity Theft!
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when an individual uses your personal information (or that of your business) without your knowledge or consent, generally obtaining financial credit in your name (or in the name of your business).
Dell Financial Services (DFS) maintains policies and procedures to detect and prevent fraud. These policies and procedures are consistent with the standards of the finance industry. Unfortunately, through no fault of DFS, perpetrators can steal your identity or the identity of your company. In turn, this personal information can be used to defraud both you and DFS.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Association of Attorneys General, ID Theft has become one of the nation's fastest-growing crimes. The Federal Trade Commission's receives about 4,000 identity theft complaints per week.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft?
While you may not be able to prevent this from occurring, the following pointers will definitely reduce your risk:
Identity Theft Protection - Start by enrolling in Identity Guard , DFS’s comprehensive identity theft monitoring service. It offers a consolidated credit report and analysis as well as credit scores from the top three credit bureaus. Also, the service provides three-bureau credit file monitoring and prompt alerts that help you spot possible identity theft fast.
Shred Confidential Documents - Shred all unwanted materials containing sensitive personal information, such as bank statements, credit card receipts, etc.
Secure Personal Information - Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates or employ outside help for having service done in your home. Also, do not discuss personal information on a cordless phone. Finally, do not carry your Social Security card. Keep it in a secure place.
Avoid Giving Out Personal Information - Don't give out personal information over the phone unless you are sure you know to whom you are speaking. Be wary of promotional scams where you are asked to provide your personal information. Finally, avoid providing your Social Security Number unless absolutely necessary.
Send Sensitive Mail at a Public Mailbox - Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes, rather than your unsecured personal mailbox.
Be Attentive to Financial Information – Check your financial statements for any suspicious activity and pay attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with financial institutions if you notice anything unusual or have not received your statements. Review your credit report annually and contact creditors and the credit reporting agencies immediately if you notice anything unusual (i.e., new accounts or inquiries).
Protect Your Account from Online Threats – “Phishing and “pharming” use official looking emails or web pages to deceive you into disclosing your personal information. A phishing email tries to direct you to an imposter web site of a legitimate business or financial institution, where it asks for your personal information. Pharming occurs when hackers disrupt the transfer of information on the Internet and point you to a fraudulent Web site. Avoid this trickery by utilizing the following suggestions.
· Do not provide your vital personal and account information by email or phone unless you initiate the contact.
· Do not click on any links in a suspicious email, for it may initiate virus installations. Once installed, viruses can use “key logging” to capture your personal identification, passwords and account information. To avoid this problem, please install security software to help protect your personal computer against these security threats. To purchase security software, go to www.dell.com.
How to Report ID Theft?
· A Police Report should be filed with your local police department. If you believe you know who is responsible, this should be included in the Police Report.
· Obtain an affidavit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/affidavit.pdf from the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) web site http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.html and complete it. For the Affidavit to be valid, please sign it in the presence of a notary public.
· Contact the major credit reporting agencies listed below and report that you have been a victim of identity theft.
Equifax: 1- 800-525-6285
Experian: 1- 888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1- 800-680-7289
· Call your creditors and banks. Review your existing account information to determine if all activity is valid. Ensure no other accounts that you are not aware of have been opened in your name.
· Notify your local mail carrier.
· Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you think your Driver's License number has been compromised.
How to Process Your ID Theft Claim?
To process your claim of ID Theft, DFS requests that you send your Affidavit and Police Report via mail to the address below.
Mail to:
Dell Financial Services
ATTN: Fraud Investigations
12234 N. IH 35, Suite B
Austin TX. 78753-1705
Once we receive your documentation, we will review the account and investigate the facts. Upon completion of our investigation, we will send you a letter. An investigation may take 30 days or more. If you are trying to obtain credit, please advise the creditor of the situation.
If you get a collection call requesting payment of a DFS account, advise them that you are an Identity Theft victim and are working with the DFS Fraud Department to get this matter resolved.
To proceed with the processing of your claim, please return the Affidavit and Police Report AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
How Does DFS Cooperate with Law Enforcement?
DFS cooperates with Law Enforcement inquiries.