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Identity Theft Information
Identity Theft Information
This packet will provide victims with a list of resources and instructions when dealing with an identity theft situation. The Webster Police Department will assist victims associated with this crime, but unfortunately, the victims themselves are burdened with resolving their own credit problems. Victims of identity theft must act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage to their good name and credit history.
When dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, try to keep a log of all your conversations, including dates, times, names, and phone numbers. In this packet, there will be a worksheet for your convenience when logging this contact information. There will also be an identity theft affidavit supplied by the Federal Trade Commission, which has been adapted by all financial and credit institutions when filing fraudulent activities to your personal accounts.
If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact the Webster Police Departments Bureau of Criminal Investigations at 508-943-1212 and a detective will try to answer questions regarding your case. You can also download the Identity Theft Worksheet (PDF).
If You're a Victim
If you find that you're a victim of identity theft, the Webster Police Department immediately urges you to take the following steps:
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan. IdentityTheft.gov guides you through each step of the recovery process. It’s a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency. You can also call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.
Credit Bureaus
Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus and report the theft. Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval.
- Equifax
Phone: 800-525-6285
website - Experian
Phone: 888-397-3742
website - Trans Union
Phone: 800-680-7289
website
For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the security department of the appropriate creditor or financial institution. Close these accounts and put passwords (not your mother's maiden name or Social Security number) on any new accounts you open.
Fraudulent Use of Checks
To report fraudulent use of your personal checks, contact the following national checking agencies:
- Certigy / Equifax
Phone: 800-437-5120 - CheckRite
Phone: 800-766-2748 - Chexsystems
Phone: 800-428-9623 - CrossCheck
Phone: 800-843-0760 - International Check
Phone: 800-526-5380 - SCAN
Phone: 800-262-7771 - TeleCheck
Phone: 800-710-9898
File a Report With Police
You must file a report with your local police department or the police department where the identity theft took place. Get the report number or a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime later.
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338) to report the theft. Counselors will take your complaint and advise you on how to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from identity theft. The Identity Theft Hotline gives you one place to report the theft to the federal government and receive helpful information.
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Police Department
Physical Address
357 Main Street
Webster, MA 01570
Phone: 508-943-1212Fax: 508-949-3898Emergency Phone: 911
Alternate Emergency Phone: 508-949-1197
Crime Tips Phone: 508-949-3874