Identity theft prevention resources

When you realize or have been notified that you are a victim of identity theft, it can be overwhelming and difficult to figure out what to do first. To help alleviate some of the stress, we've put together this list of steps to take.

Contact your banks and creditors

Advise them that you suspect identity theft and request they restrict access to your accounts, changes to passwords, or requests to close your accounts. If your bank closes your account and opens a new one, ask them for any appropriate new ATM, debit, and credit cards and checks.

If you ever suspect your Webster account(s) contain fraudulent activity, please contact our Security Hotline immediately at 800-966-0256. Our specialists are here for you anytime.

Notify the three major credit bureaus

They will place a fraud alert and a victim’s statement on your files. This alert puts creditors on notice and asks them not to open any additional accounts without contacting you.

TransUnion
PO Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022
To report fraud: 800-680-7289
To request a credit report: 800-888-4213

Equifax
PO Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
To report fraud:800-525-6285
To request a credit report: 877-FACTACT (322-8228)

Experian
PO Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
To report fraud: 888-397-3742
To request a credit report: 877-FACTACT (322-8228)

You are also entitled to free copies of your credit report from each agency. Review those reports to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes have been made to your existing accounts.

Check the section of the report that lists “inquiries” as this will list all requests for new accounts. You can request that all inquiries resulting in the opening of new, fraudulent accounts be removed from your report.

 

Alert the following agencies

  • Your local police department
  • The Social Security Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FTC Theft Hotline: 877-ID Theft (438-4338)
    The FTC puts the information into their secure consumer fraud database and shares it with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.