A security freeze prevents new lines of credit from being opened in a consumer’s name and stays in place until the consumer lifts it. A fraud alert requires that creditors take extra steps to verify a consumer’s identity before extending them credit. Learn more about both options from DATCP’s Credit Report Security Freeze fact sheet.
- Sign up for a security freeze by contacting all three major credit reporting agencies to request it: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Place a fraud alert by contacting any of the three major credit reporting agencies. When one agency receives a fraud alert request, they must inform the other two.
Sign Up for Federal and State IP PINs
IP PINs add extra security to tax filings by requiring consumers to verify their identity when filing tax returns. There are separate IP PINs for filing federal tax returns and state tax returns.
- Sign up for and learn more about federal IP PINs from IRS.gov.
- Find frequently asked questions and sign-up instructions for Wisconsin IP PINs from the DOR’s website at revenue.wi.gov.
Time is of the essence when reacting to identity theft, so consumers affected by tax-related identity theft – or who received a notice about tax-related identity theft from DOR – should contact DOR as soon as possible at (608) 266-2772 or DORIDTheft@wisconsin.gov. DOR will not call or email consumers to verify their information or inform them about suspicious activity. Instructions for reporting tax-related identity theft to the IRS can be found in their online Identity Theft Guide for Individuals. Consumers whose identities have been stolen should also immediately inform their bank(s) and creditor(s) to prevent further fraud.
For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
Comments