- How can I access my credit report without paying for it?
Will checking my credit report make my credit score go down? You are entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies every 12 months. Obtaining your credit report will not have any negative impact on your credit score. The easiest way to check your credit report is to go to annualcreditreport.com.
- Should I place a credit freeze on my credit?
If you have been a victim of Identity Theft, you may want to consider a Fraud Alert or a Credit Freeze. Federal law ensures that placing a Fraud Alert and a placing an Credit Freeze is FREE to victims of Identity Theft. For more information go to CBIVictimSupport.com.
- When I tried to e-file my taxes, I got a notice saying I already filed. Am I a victim of ID Theft?
Yes, you are a victim of ID Theft. Every year, thousands of fraudulent tax returns are filed with the IRS. The ID thieves use someone else's social security number, create fraudulent W2 forms, and file a tax return that gives them a large tax refund. If this happens to you, there are some important steps you must take. You must report the ID Theft to the IRS and file the appropriate forms. CBI's Victim Assistance Program assists many victims with this process, and we can help you. For more information, call (303) 239-4242.
- What should I do if I discover that someone else used my name and their crimes are showing up on my criminal history?
If someone else uses your name or other identifying information when arrested for a crime or when given a traffic ticket, you will need to do a Record Challenge. CBI's Victim Assistance Program can help you through this process and ensure that your histories are corrected. For assistance with a Record Challenges, call (303) 239-4242.
- I am a small business owner in Colorado. How can I protect my business from ID Theft?
Business owners can take a few simple steps to prevent Business ID Theft. Make sure your business listing with the Secretary of State's Office is current and that your annual reports are filed on time. Take the extra step to inactivate businesses that are no longer in service. Sign up for email alerts and acquire a PIN to protect your business. For more information and a checklist, SOS Protect My Business
- I am a victim of the most recent data breach. What can I do to protect myself?
Data breaches are in the news frequently. There are steps you may take to protect yourself. First, contact your financial institution and close any credit or debit cards that you used at the location with the breach. Your bank or credit union will help you transfer legitimate charges and regular debits to a new card and account. Report that you have been a victim to local law enforcement. For more detailed information, contact our Victim Assistance Team (303) 239-4242
- Can my Social Security Number be cancelled?
A common scam is for someone to call posing as a government or law enforcement official. They claim that your social security number is about to be cancelled or revoked because of involvement in a crime. They then try to con you out of money and personal identifying information. Your social security number is not going to be cancelled or revoked. Do not do any of the actions that the caller is telling you to do. Hang up and call your local law enforcement agency or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's Victim Advocates right away. (CBI 24 hour hotline 1-855-443-3489)
- What can I do if someone has filed tax returns using my ID?
The IRS has an identity Theft Affidavit form that you need to fill out and return to them. This form is called Form 14039.
- I've heard about Business Identity Theft. I own a business, how can I protect it?
The Colorado Secretary of State has a great resource for businesses that was compiled with support from the CBI staff.
- Do I need to be a documented citizen or immigrant to receive your services?
We provide services to ALL victims of crime. We do not differentiate between those victims who are American citizens or legal residents and those who are not.
- I'm getting a lot of mail for businesses that I don't know anything about. Why is this happening and what can I do to make it stop?
This could be a sign that someone is fraudulently using your address for nefarious purposes. It is important that you report this to your local law enforcement agency, the post office and to CBI. We have options to help you, and by reporting, you will help us with out investigations with this type of crime,
- Do CBI's victim advocates help me find resources for things I need after the crime, like financial assistance, therapy or reporting my crime to the proper authorities?
Yes. CBI's Victim Advocates will assist you with your needs from reporting the crime, to designing a response plan to finding resources for you and your family.
- I just found out someone is using my social security number for employment, This is causing problems with the IRS and with my benefits. What should I do?
Please call the CBI Victim Advocates. We will help you in determining how your social security number is being used, including for wages or possible other things. We will then help get fraudulent wages removed and assist you in filing police reports.