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LAW OFFICES |
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This website is provided as an educational service not as legal advice (see important legal notice). Except as otherwise indicated, all contents copyright ©2000 and thereafter by Alexander L. Ullenberg. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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ULLENBERG |
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Law Office |
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101 Camelot Dr., Ste. 2b Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Phone: (920) 924-9878 (877) 924-9878 Fax: (920) 924-9895 E-Mail: info@UllenbergLaw.com |
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General Information
Business Services:
Buying a Business Selling a Business Custom Contracts Annual Records / Reporting
Litigation (i.e. Lawsuits):
Being Sued / Suing
Other Issues of Interest:
Wills, Trusts, P.O.A.s
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ULLENBERG |
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Victim of Identity Theft? By Alexander L. Ullenberg, Esq.
A few weeks ago a client called me in a panic. She said her 19-year old son received a telephone call from a “credit card company” and gave his social security number and other information to the person but stopped when they started to ask personal information about his family. When my client called the “company” back at the number they had given her son, she couldn’t reach them. She was rightly concerned. Identity theft is a growing problem in today’s economy where lenders and expanding e-commerce businesses continue to rely upon certain key information to identify us in the “anonymous” internet and via telephone. And it is apparently very easy to steal this information from us. If you think you are or may become a victim of identity theft, there are some things you should do: 1. Act Quickly. As soon as you suspect something, take action. My client called me right away — which was only an hour later. But in today’s fast e-economy an hour is plenty of time to do damage. 2. Call the fraud divisions at all three major credit bureaus. Ask that a “fraud alert” be placed on your credit report. With this alert, most businesses that extend credit or otherwise rely on your credit report will attempt to contact you personally before extending any credit. (Remember to call each bureau; TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax are all separate companies.) Their toll-free phone numbers are: TransUnion (800) 680-7289; Experian (800) 301-7195, and Equifax (800) 685-5000. 3. Get a copy of your credit report from each bureau. Most of the bureaus have nominal charges for the reports and you may qualify for a free copy. The report will help you determine if anyone has already used your identity to obtain credit or other services. 4. If you believe your credit card number or financial account has been compromised, call your creditor right away and speak with their fraud officer. Consider closing the account immediately. 5. Call your local police department and file a report. Make sure you obtain a copy of the police report for your records. However, don’t be surprised if nothing can be done right away — identity theft cases can be challenging cases to solve. 6. If you believe someone is or will attempt to use your social security number to apply for a job, call the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. 7. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Call their Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT. Their web-site also has an entire area devoted to identity theft issues: www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.html. Identity theft is a growing problem both in Wisconsin and the nation. While it is a felony in Wisconsin to misappropriate personal identifying information, the anonymity of the internet and telecommunications can make it difficult to track offenders. Protect yourself by shredding old bills, statements, and unused credit card offers and other personally identifying numbers. Refrain from giving out personal information and your social security number. And if you suspect you are the victim of identity theft — take action immediately.
The topics discussed here are intended only to provide general information, not legal advice. As the facts differ in every case, consult your attorney before acting. If you need more information or have a question visit www.UllenbergLaw.com.
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