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Identity Theft

This information will provide you with a list of resources and instructions when dealing with an identity theft situation. The Stow 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, keep a log of all your conversations, including dates, times, names, and phone numbers. Here is a worksheet for your convenience when logging this contact information. (click here)

If you find that you're a victim of identity theft, the Stow Police department immediately urges you to take the following steps:

1) 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.

Three Major Credit Bureaus

2)  For any accounts that have been fraudelently accessed or opened, contact the security department of the approprate 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.

3)  To report fradulent use of your personal checks, contact the following national checking agencies:

  • CHECKRITE:  1-800-766-2748
  • CHEXSYSTEMS:  1-800-428-9623
  • CROSSCHECK:  1-800-843-0760
  • CERTIGY/EQUIFAX:  1-800-437-5120
  • INTERNATIONAL:  1-800-526-5380
  • SCAN:  1-800-262-7771
  • TELECHECK:  1-800-710-9898

4)  You must file a report with the Stow Police Department or the police department where the identity theft took place. Get the report/call number or a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime later.

5)  Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) to report the theft. Counselors will take your complaint and advise you on ow to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from ID theft. The Identity Theft Hotline gives you one place to report the theft to the federal government and recieve helpful information.

For more information, the following (non-profit) websites are great resources on identity theft:

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact the Stow Police Department, and an Officer will try to answer questions regarding your case. 978-897-4545