- Check your credit report for inaccuracies. You can request your credit report for free from each of three reporting bureaus every year by visiting the Annual Credit Report website or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
- Place a credit freeze. A credit freeze will halt any application for a new line of credit and remain in effect until you request that it be lifted. Keep in mind that a credit freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts. It may cost up to $10 to place and/or remove a freeze at two of the three credit reporting bureaus. For more information on how to place a freeze, visit the DOJ Identity Theft website.
- Place a fraud alert. A fraud alert is a statement in your credit file that notifies anyone requesting a copy of your credit report that you may be a victim of ID theft. There are three different types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, an extended alert and an active duty alert. For more information on these alerts, visit the DOJ Identity Theft website.
- File your taxes as early as possible. As soon as you have the tax information you need, file your taxes before a scammer does. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Respond right away to letters from the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue.
- Visit the FTC Identity Theft website to learn more about protecting yourself after a data breach. Under Oregon law, businesses with Oregon customers are required to inform customers and the state Attorney General’s Office about security breaches that have placed personal information in jeopardy. For more information on the law and to view a copy of the breach notice.