Consumer Protection Resources
Here are some tips and information to keep you informed about identity theft and scams — and what to do if you are a victim.
Phishing, Fraud, and Scams
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How to avoid being caught in a scam
Limit Unsolicited Mail, Email and Calls
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Learn how to reduce unsolicited mail and calls
Unsolicited Credit Card and Insurance Offers
To stop unsolicited credit card and insurance offers, go to www.optoutprescreen.com. You may choose to opt out for five years or permanently. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request.
When you call or visit the website, you'll be asked to provide certain personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out.
You may also call 1-888-567-8688 to optout for five years.
You may send a written request to each of the major consumer reporting companies asking to be permanently removed from presecreened credit and insurance solicitations. Make sure your request includes your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Send your request to the following:
| Experian Opt Out P.O. Box 919 Allen, TX 75013 |
TransUnion Name Removal Option P.O. Box 505 Woodlyn, PA 19094 |
| Equifax, Inc. Options P.O. Box 740123 Atlanta, GA 30374 |
Innovis Consumer Assistance P.O. Box 495 Pittsburgh, PA 15230 |
Other Unsolicited Mail and Email
Register at the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) consumer website, www.DMAchoice.org, to opt-out for 10 years. There is a $2 processing fee.
You may also download the DMA Choice Mail In Form, or simply send your name and address to:
DMA Choice
Data & Marketing Association
PO Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
A check or money order for $3, made payable to DMA, must be included.
To reduce unsolicited emails, visitt the DMA's eMail Preference Service.
Telemarketing Calls
Register your phone with the National Do Not Call Registry. Please be aware that you may stll receive calls from charities, political groups, debt collectors and surveys.
Other Resources
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Other sources of information to help you fight fraud
The Federal Trade Commission
The Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force
The Internet Crime Complaint Center
National CyberSecurity Alliance
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Compromised Social Security Number
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What to do if you think someone else is using your Social Security number