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Protecting yourself from identity theft on the internet

The convenience of shopping on the Internet has a dark side: for those who pay by credit card, identity theft is on the rise.

There have been massive security breaches in recent months. In one instance, hackers obtained the credit card and debit account data of hundreds of thousands of card holders. The cost to banks and credit companies has topped $1.2 billion, and those costs are ultimately passed along to consumers.

If you suspect that someone has stolen your personal information and is using it to commit fraud or theft, there are three basic steps you should take:

  • Contact the fraud departments of the major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Tell them that you believe you're a victim of identify theft and request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, as well as a statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new charge accounts.
  • Review their records carefully to make sure that no new accounts have been opened in your name. You should also check the section of your report that lists "inquiries." If any "inquiries" appear from the entity that opened the account, you can request that these be removed from your report. After a few months, order a copy of your report to ensure that no new fraudulent activity has taken place.
  • Contact any creditors where the identity thieves opened or tampered with your accounts. Your creditors may run the gamut from credit card companies to utilities to banks and lenders. According to the law, consumers must notify their credit card companies in writing about the theft. It is important to immediately close the account under your name and open a new one with a personal identification number (PIN) and password.
  • File a report with the local police. Follow up by getting a copy of the police report in case a creditor needs proof of the crime.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.

If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.