Information Security

Recognizing and Responding to Identity Theft

Last modified 7/6/2023

Identity theft is a fraudulent act where an unauthorized individual uses your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, residential address, or Social Security Number, with an intention to impersonate you and engage in fraudulent or criminal activities.

Recognizing Identity Theft

Signs of Identity Theft

You might be a victim of identity theft if you notice any of the following:

  • You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
  • You don’t get your bills or other mail.
  • Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
  • You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
  • Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
  • The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name.
  • You receive a notice that your information was compromised by a data breach.

View more examples on the FTC's page on Warning Signs of Identity Theft.

Consequences of Identity Fraud

Criminals can do misuse your identity to:

  • Open new bank accounts or lines of credit to use fraudulently
  • Take control of and use your existing accounts
  • Claim and received fraudulent unemployment insurance
  • File and collect fraudulent tax returns

Responding to Identity Theft

If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, swift action is crucial to minimize damage and loss. Consider these resources available to assist you for your given situation.

  • University Resources

University Police Department

The Illinois State University Police Department have resources dedicated to University members that are impacted by identity theft at https://police.illinoisstate.edu/safety/identity/.

Human Resources

University employees can contact Human Resources for identity theft and fraud that relates to their employment at Illinois State University.

Information Technology

University members can contact the Technology Support Center (https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu) or the Information Security Office in the Office of Technology Solutions for assistance with their University accounts in the event that they have been taken over.

Campus Safety and Security

The website for Campus Safety and Security also offers related guidance for University members at https://security.illinoisstate.edu/prevention/cyber/identity/.

  • Federal Resources

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

For identity theft and fraud that occurs with no clear relation to the University, we strongly recommend visiting the FTC website dedicated to the topic at https://identitytheft.gov.

This website is dedicated to assisting individuals with reporting and recovering from identity theft and fraud. It provides direct assistance as well as offers customized recovery plans depending on your situation.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

The CFPB provides guidance on common fraud and scams facing consumers including identity theft. Their website offers clear definitions for many of the terms or phrases used in describing such. Access their dedicated Fraud and Scams webpage at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/.

  • Consumer Resources

Consumer Reporting Agencies

Information regarding credit monitoring services is available from consumer reporting agencies such as Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Contact information for Experian, Equifax and TransUnion is below.

Experian
P.O. Box 22
Allen, TX 75013
866-960-6943

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30348
800-525-6285
Request a fraud alert online by calling 888-7666-0008

TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000
www.transunion.com

Freeze Credit for Additional Assurance

A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, is a protective measure that restricts access to your credit report. By placing a credit freeze, you prevent potential lenders and creditors from viewing your credit information, making it challenging for identity thieves to open new accounts or loans in your name. It acts as a barrier against unauthorized access to your credit history, providing an added layer of security and helping prevent fraudulent activity.

Under federal law, you are entitled to add and remove a freeze on your credit with each of the reporting agencies at no cost.

Experian Credit Freeze
https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html

Equifax Credit Freeze
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/

TransUnion Credit Freeze
https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

  • State Resources

Illinois Attorney General

Individuals can contact the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Identity Theft Hotline at 866-999-5630 or 877-844-5461 (TTY) for one-to-one assistance in accessing resources.

Additional resources for Illinoisans who have been victimized by identity theft is also available at:  https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/hotline.html.