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There's no one else quite like you.
We make sure of it.
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation-and yes, it can happen to you. At CitiFinancial Auto, we want to keep you informed and help you protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone steals and uses your personal information to obtain loans, open credit card accounts, or even acquire a mortgage in your name.
How can someone steal your identity?
- Steal your wallet, or steal information from your home, mailbox, or trash
- Con businesses or institutions to gain access to your information
- Pose as a legitimate company on the Internet or via email
- Pose as a landlord, employer, businessperson, or government official
- Complete a change of address form to divert your mail to another location
How does an identity thief use your information?
- Run up unauthorized charges on your loan or credit card accounts
- Obtain a personal loan, auto loan, mortgage, or credit card using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Establish phone or wireless services in your name
- Open a bank account in your name and write bad checks
- File for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts
- Give your name to police during an arrest
How can you tell if you are a victim?
An identity thief can strike even if you have been careful with your personal information.
Some signs may include:
- Failing to receive bills or other mail, indicating an address change by the identity thief
- Receiving billing statements for loans or credit card accounts for which you did not apply
- Receiving calls from debt collectors about services or merchandise you did not purchase
How can you protect yourself?
- Protect your mailbox
Remove your mail immediately after delivery. Always deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at the post office rather than leaving it in your mailbox for the mailperson.
- Protect your wallet
Keep items with personal information, particularly your Social Security card, in a safe place at home and do not share them with others. Memorize your Social Security number and never write it down on anything you carry. Destroy your receipts when you no longer need them.
- Protect your credit and debit cards
Sign new cards immediately. Never loan your card to anyone. Notify your bank and credit issuer when you change your address or phone number, and report all lost or stolen cards immediately. Never write down your PIN or put your account number on the outside of an envelope.
If you choose to handle the situation yourself, there are four basic actions appropriate in almost every case:
Step 1 Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus
- Equifax 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com
- Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com
- TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com
Step 2 Close any accounts that have been compromised by contacting each creditor directly
Step 3 File a police report with your local police or where the identity theft took place
Step 4 File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) www.consumer.gov/idtheft
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 | This is a link to a third-party Web site providing a product or service. CitiFinancialSM Auto makes no warranties or representations of any kind with regard to the information or services provided by or through the third party Web sites that may be accessed by the links on this page, express or implied, arising by law or otherwise including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose. Read full legal disclosure. | |
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