Fraud
A growing concern today is Identity Theft. Theft can occur in many ways, and students and parents should be aware of the tools used by thieves. Often, victims of Identity Theft do not find out about it until after it has affected your credit. Student Aid Lending works hard to fight identity theft and keeping your information secure. If you feel you have been a victim of Identity Theft, please contact us immediately at: (866) 966-9133.
How you can combat fraud:
Be careful with your information. Thieves will often operate:
- Online. Through what sometimes look like legitimate emails are actually scammers that are attempting to collect your information. Be sure you know the company you are browsing before clicking on any link and entering information.
- Over the Phone. To access your loan information on the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS), lenders must be provided with access from the Dept. of Education. If someone asks for your Social Security Number and Date of Birth to access the information, be sure they can provide you with their lender ID number and immediately provide you with your specific loan details.
- Dumpster Diving. Its true, thieves do go through garbage! Considering the monetary value of someone's personal information, going through garbage is not unheard of. If you are going to throw out personal information, be sure to shred it completely (a cross cut or diamond shredder is recommended). Also consider throwing it out in various locations.
Credit Agencies A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before they open any new accounts or change your existing accounts. Customers can call any of the three major credit bureaus listed below. As soon as one credit bureau confirms the fraud alert, the others are notified to also place fraud alerts. All three credit reports will be sent to you at no charge.
Equifax www.equifax.com 800-525-6285
Experian www.experian.com 888-397-3742
Trans Union www.transunion.com 800-680-7289
Reporting Fraud
If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports, or have reason to believe your information is being misused, call your local police department and file a police report. Make sure to get a copy of the report; many creditors want the information it contains to absolve you of the fraudulent debts. You should also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or at 1-877-438-4338. Your complaint will be added to the FTC's Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, where it will be accessible to law enforcers for their investigations.
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