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Credit Bureaus/Identity Theft

Credit Bureaus

TransUnion
PO Box 1370, Buffalo, New York 14213
Fraud Victim Assistance:  1-800-680-7289
Consumer Relations:  1-800-916-8800

Equifax
PO Box 740256, Atlanta, Georgia 30374
Information Service Centers Fraud Systems Department:  1-800-525-6285
Credit File Ordering System:  1-800-685-1111

Experian
PO box 9530, Allen, Texas 75013
1-888-397-3742

Identity Theft

If you are a victim of identity theft:

  • Contact the police to file a report.

  • Inform Buffalo Metropolitan Federal Credit Union to close Share/Share Draft Accounts.

  • Document your actions, such as the time and money you spend on straightening out identity theft.

  • Contact the Credit Bureaus and have them flag the accounts with a "fraud alert."

  • Contact any credit card companies.

  • Keep copies of documents and make note of all telephone calls.  Include the date and time of your call and the name and title of the person who assisted you.

  • Contact the Government Authorities:  Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-438-4338, Social Security Fraud Hot line at 1-800-269-0271, and US Postal Inspectors at 1-800-372-8347.

To protect against identity theft:
  • Change your account number from your Social Security Number to a RANDOM NUMBER!

  • Do not give out personal information (Social Security Number, Share Draft or Credit Card Number) unless you initiate the call.

  • In the event that your wallet or purse was lost or stolen, contact the Buffalo Metropolitan Federal Credit Union.

  • Always shred any personal information or pre-approved credit card mailings before throwing away.

  • Do not write PIN numbers down and avoid using any word in the dictionary for passwords.

  • Obtain at least one credit report annually.

  • Prevent any institution from inquiring at any credit bureau for pre-approved credit cards.  Dial 1-888-567-8688 (OPT OUT LINE), choose permanent, sign form, and keep a copy.

  • Remove your name from National Direct Mail List.  Send your name and address to: DMA Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

  • Reduce Telephone Solicitation.  Send your name, address, and telephone number to:  DMA Telephone Preference Service, PO Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014