Identity Theft

Identity theft is the unlawful use of another person’s personal information, such as name and date of birth, credit card numbers, Social Security number, or driver’s license information for the purpose of committing fraud or some other form of deception.  Identity theft is generally a means for committing other offenses such as fraudulently obtaining financial credit or loans, among other crimes.

    Under South Carolina legislation, incidents involving identity theft are prosecuted under statutes related to forgery, fraud, and financial transaction card theft/usage.

 

        1. Come to the Sheriff's Office, at 8045 Howard St., Spartanburg, to file an incident report, or call (864) 596-2222 Non-Emergency Dispatch and request an Officer to come to you, to file a report.

        2. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
        (1-877-IDTHEFT) for assistance from trained counselors in resolving credit related problems.  The FTC acts as the nation’s clearinghouse for information related to identity theft crimes.

        3. Cancel each credit card and request new cards
        with new account numbers.

        4. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting agencies [Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742), TransUnion (1-800-680-7289)]. Ask each company to put a fraud alert on the account and add a victim’s statement requesting creditors to contact the victim before opening new accounts in his or her name.  Also request copies of your credit report.

        5. If bank accounts are involved, report the loss to each financial institution, cancel existing accounts and open new ones with new account numbers.

        6. If a driver’s license is involved, contact the state motor vehicle department.

        7. Check with the Social Security Administration to determine the accuracy integrity of your account.

        8. Change the locks on your house and cars if there is any indication that these have been copied or otherwise compromised.