Identity Theft

Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft

There are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.
Some things to always remember:

• Never give out personal information - social security number or bank information
• If you are in doubt or uncomfortable, get a phone number and call the person back.  If they persist, hang up.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails.
• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before discarding them.
• Request a free copy of your credit report once a year from www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
• Join the National Do Not Call List at donotcall.gov. You can register your home and mobile phone numbers.  This won't stop all unsolicited calls, but it will stop most.
• Report phone scams to the U.S. Marshals Service.
• How to avoid fraud.

The Michigan Department of Treasury's Identify Theft Web site is a new resource made available for individuals to obtain helpful information if they or someone they know is a victim of identity theft.  The Web site contains phone numbers, links, warning signs, and preventative measures that can be helpful for victims of identity theft.  The Web site also contains information about different types of identity theft beyond tax-related identity theft.

The new Web site is available at www.michigan.gov/identitytheft. 

Oakland County has a Property Fraud Alert Service.  This tool is designed to alert you of any recordings in our office regarding your name.  Click here for the link to sign up.