"Identity theft is on everyone's mind. How can you protect yourself? Be a knowledgeable investor and keep track of your financial situation. Know where your money and your accounts are, and protect your passwords. Never give out your financial information. Check your credit report on a regular basis. Protecting yourself isn't that hard and it's becoming more and more important."

State Auditor, John Morrison

Contact:

Equifax - www.equifax.com, 1-800-685-1111, or P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian - www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742, or P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion - www.transunion.com, 1-800-888-4213, or P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790     

What to do if you think you are a victim of fraud:

1. Immediately place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports
   • Equifax:1-800-525-6285, and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
   • Experian: 1-888-397-3742, and write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
   • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, and write: P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
2. Close any accounts that may have been tampered or opened fraudulently (credit accounts, checking accounts etc...)
   • TeleCheck: 1-800-710-9898 or 927-0188
   • Certegy, Inc.: 1-800-437-5120
   • International Check Services: 1-800-631-9656
3. File a report with your local police or the police where the identity theft took place. Montana has a new ID Theft Passport that may be avaliable to you.
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or 1-877-438-4338